<The Demon Lord of the Swordsmanship Family Chapter 125>
Swords clashed.
The sword of Park Min-ji, wrapped in Pure White Sword Energy, and
the sword of Park Su-hyeok, wrapped in Golden Sword Energy.
Clang! Clang-!
Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ang-!
A head-to-head battle between the two Sword Masters.
Their instincts were already awakened.
Park Min-ji, her white hair resembling her sword energy flowing wildly, transformed into a streak of lightning.
Geomho-ryu Swift Swordsmanship
Lightning Piercing
The lightning devoured every other light.
Absorbing all the surrounding light, the streak of lightning became even more intense.
From far across the sea, compared to when Park Geon-hyuk would play ‘Captain Tiger,’ this Lightning Piercing was in a different league in terms of power.
Originally, swift swordsmanship is the sword of speed, perfectly matched with Park Min-ji’s instinct ‘Agility,’ and as a result, the power was incomparably increased. Just like how Park Geon-hyuk excels with ‘Geomho-ryu Strong Swordsmanship.’
But what about Park Su-hyeok’s Perfection? He handles every sword technique perfectly according to his instincts.
If pressed to choose just one, it would be ‘Flowing Swordsmanship.’
The only defensive sword art in the otherwise aggressive Geomho-ryu.
Planting his feet firmly on the ground, Park Su-hyeok positioned himself in a ready stance with both hands gripping the handle, the blade pointed at his neck.
His gaze fixed forward, on his opponent.
And when Park Su-hyeok’s eyes turned gold.
Geomho-ryu Flowing Swordsmanship
Taiji
The Taiji formed, centered around Park Su-hyeok.
Comprised of Black and White lines, the Taiji began to rotate the moment it formed, and Park Min-ji’s lightning barraged the top of the Taiji.
Kwaaaanggaaggaaggaag!
Light flashed.
Sparks flew from the collision of the swords. The swirling mana in the current lost control and surged wildly.
An evenly matched battle (互角之勢).
Speed of Park Min-ji.
Skill of Park Su-hyeok.
The lightning could not pierce through the Taiji.
And the Taiji could not stop the lightning.
The two knew this better than anyone. They prepared their next moves as if by an unspoken agreement.
Park Min-ji used the acceleration from the ‘Lightning Piercing,’ while Park Su-hyeok utilized the region formed by the ‘Taiji.’
Geomho-ryu Swift
Black Point (黑點)
VS
Geomho-ryu King
Determination to Defend the Nation (決死報國)
Kwaaaaang-!!!
…
…
After the practice battle ended.
Park Su-hyeok and Park Min-ji left the gate and moved to a nearby café.
The café buzzed with excitement at their appearance.
“Park Su-hyeok! Park Su-hyeok! How come you look like a statue?”
“Min-ji Older Sister… Leather jacket… Flawless. Totally amazing.”
“Shh. Be quiet, dummy. We’re admiring her!”
“But why so much? They’ve brought everything here. Are they going to eat it all?”
“Nah, probably not. How could they eat all that?”
“I heard they’re regulars from the Swordsmanship Family, but this is my first time seeing it. Wow… this is luxurious.”
To be precise, it wasn’t the Swordsmanship Family but Park Geon-hyuk who was a regular at this café.
And accordingly, the desserts were just as good as the coffee. In front of the two, there was a spread of club sandwiches and all the café’s desserts.
Park Su-hyeok finished his sandwich in three bites and spoke.
“These days are noisy.”
And as expected, Park Min-ji finished her piececake in three bites and said.
“It’s not me.”
“Not you? I’m talking about what Geon-hyuk told me. Apparently, he’s been up to something amusing since traveling to America.”
“Ah, Captain Tiger?”
“Yeah.”
Ki-hi-ki.
As if by an agreement, the two shared a smile.
Sure, they didn’t say it outright, but in Korea, most people equate ‘Captain Tiger’ with Park Geon-hyuk.
It’s not only the family. Everyone who has seen Park Geon-hyuk once identifies him as Captain Tiger.
Why?
The size, for starters, is outrageous! That immense chest, the lethal trapezius muscles, the towering erector spinae, and most shockingly, the gigantic thighs.
It’s enough to scare skinny guys to d*ath.
Park Su-hyeok shook his head in disbelief as he thought about it.
“Hm, did Geon-hyuk think covering his body with a little cloth would actually hide that?”
“Naturally, it’s because of Bom.”
“The power of a father?”
“It’s the power of a father.”
Ultimately, with plans for the ‘Captain Tiger’ series, it turned out to be a happy result for everyone.
However, at this moment, Park Su-hyeok’s expression turned slightly serious.
“Why?”
“Huh? Oh, no not really.”
“If it’s not really, why the serious look?”
“….”
Park Su-hyeok took a whole shot of melon juice and spoke.
“Geon-hyuk might be getting too much attention.”
“Why? Isn’t that what he’s doing it for?”
“Because it’s New York.”
“That…?”
Park Min-ji’s brows furrowed as she seemed to recall something.
“Could it be, the TA?”
“Ah, there’s someone I have a bad history with.”
“Bad history?”
“That’s…”
Years ago. At the time when Park Geon-hyuk first opened his eyes in this world, Park Su-hyeok was in the U.S. with his father Park Geon supporting the construction of a Level 7 Gate in Mid City.
“…There was a guy challenging me back then. He was pretty decent.”
Even now, the memory feels vivid.
A man with a red dreadlock-styled hair who approached with flames engulfing his entire body.
‘Flames that burn magic’ and the eyes that gleamed with crazed intensity.
A flaming man.
It was a pretty engaging fight … Park Su-hyeok smiled fondly, reminiscing, and Park Min-ji frowned at it.
“Villain is a villain. Anyhow, why does this combat fanatic matter?”
“Ah, that guy was too obsessed. I’m worried he might take his frustration out on Geon-hyuk.”
“Eh? Did he survive?”
“Escaped pretty well.”
Heh? Escaping from big brother? From that monster?
Park Min-ji asked curiously.
“What number was he?”
“I think it was number seventeen.”
TA assigns numbers to its members. These numbers signify their roots in strength and indicate the hierarchy of strength.
In other words, “number seventeen” means the seventeenth strongest.
“Pretty high level…”
“Yeah.”
Hence.
“The only thing I could do was cut his arm.”
Park Su-hyeok, who said this with a bright smile, and Park Min-ji, who ate the cake without batting an eye, belonged to this messed-up household.
It felt like Kim Yeon-hee’s screams were echoing.
Finally, the goal was achieved.
Reversal of Trend from New York! ‘Captain Tiger’ in Rapid Production
Producers of Captain Tiger say it will exclusively premiere on Nflix.
The Emergency Production of Captain Tiger!
Spring was so delighted she was almost crying. Watching her dance with joy behind the monitor, it erased all the hardships they had endured.
Now, it’s enough. Seeing this smile meant they had succeeded.
The time has come for Captain Tiger, the defender of justice of New York, to bow out.
“The essence of hero play is the timing of the exit.”
The timing is perfect.
Loud and bustling for about two weeks. Right at the peak of its popularity.
This is the moment.
Isn’t it pointless why we say, “You must leave when the audience claps”? It seems to me that this is the only time everyone can leave with applause.
“If this goes on a bit longer, suspicious and jealous people will start to appear.”
With the decision made, they were ready to move.
A perfect ending is needed!
First, half of the assets acquired were donated to a nearby orphanage.
He stacked mountains of supplies in front of the orphanage in the dead of night. It was like an unexpected gift!
The delighted members of the orphanage knew immediately who it was.
Sets of Captain Tiger’s equipment. The children, upon seeing the signature “I am Captain Tiger” written in elegant handwriting, cheered and jumped around in celebration.
Impressive, Park Geon-hyuk.
Showing off. Absolutely.
Of course, during this whole process, Slave Number Two, Rosaria, was a bit busy.
“Are you asking me to make Captain Tiger stuff? Look here, buddy. Do you even know how to delegate tasks?”
“If you can’t do it, I’ll speak to Giant.”
“Bullshit… you’re a real b*stard.”
The Washington clan was rumored to be quite capable, and indeed they were.
They secured a factory and mass-produced Captain Tiger toys, something they had never seen in their lifetimes.
All within three days.
So, for Captain Tiger’s perfect farewell, I visited every orphanage in New York.
I was visiting them when.
Whoosh!
“Hey, Captain Tiger! Stop!”
A black man, with red dreadlocks, a body covered in tattoos, and a mechanical prosthetic arm blocked my path.
Who’s this guy? I was wondering when.
“Are you Sword Master?”
“….!”
A wave of alertness surged through me.
His instinct wasn’t ordinary.
“Ha ha ha… The time for revenge has come.”
He sounds like a man who’s tasted it.
“Haha-haha!”
He seemed like he’d lost his mind.
“…….”
The area was engulfed in flames. The flames danced wildly, following his excitement.
The vehicles were on fire. Alarms and screams mingled, turning the surroundings into an instant scene of chaos… and in that moment, I processed everything.
“You’re an arsonist.”
The sea of flames was rushing towards me.
Brooklyn Bridge.
Amid the spreading flames, Park Geon-hyuk, dressed as Captain Tiger, was thrown backward as the dread-headed man followed fiercely.
This man, called “Arsonist” by Park Geon-hyuk, was number seventeen of the combat fanatic group TA.
‘White Shocker.’
“Explode! Burst into flames!!”
Pang-pang!
White Shocker, firing explosions, lunged forward. It was his signature skill combining fire magic with close combat, the unique ‘Flame Ability.’
Using the recoil from the explosions, Shocker broke through space at an incredible speed to overwhelm Park Geon-hyuk.
Park Geon-hyuk raised his fist to block him.
And the moment their fists collided, Shocker’s face twisted into a grin.
Boom!!
Flames burst forth.
An explosion occurred.
White Shocker ignited his body as a detonator, causing the explosion.
Boom!!
Caught in the explosion, Park Geon-hyuk was thrown backward. He shattered a stationary vehicle and was hurled away.
After rolling on the ground, he quickly stood up again — then locked eyes.
“…!”
“…!!”
A child? What are you doing here?
The child was at a loss and finally burst into tears. From a distance, a person who appeared to be the mother shouted and ran over.
“d*mn it!”
Missing his chance to counterattack, Park Geon-hyuk blocked the flames falling towards the child.
Swoosh-swoosh!!
The heat came first.
Instead of raising a shield, Park Geon-hyuk manifested an ice magic in his lap.
“Uncle.”
“…Kid, you’re safe. Uncle here is super tough.”
Was it the pain or the sight of the child that shook his senses?
Park Geon-hyuk’s vision widened to reveal numerous civilians.
Capturing that arsonist over there won’t be hard. Even that guy watching us from afar, if he interfered, would be manageable. I can handle it.
But…
They are different. If I start rampaging, how could the screaming people running around there or the kid in my arms endure it without getting swept away?
“d*mn…!”
No matter how I think about it, there is only one answer.
If I fight here, these people will get involved.
At that moment, Park Geon-hyuk decided to abandon counterattacking altogether and opted to take the hits.
Boom!!
The scorching flames hammered his body. The fire clung to the impact points and Park Geon-hyuk was hurled backward.
The visceral shock rang through his body.
Park Geon-hyuk frowned, feeling pain he hadn’t experienced in a long time. Meanwhile, White Shocker, watching this, went berserk.
Explosions occurred here and there.
A one-sided situation where Park Geon-hyuk took all the hits.
Just a little more time. He would repay this humiliation in one go when the opportunity arose. With that thought, Park Geon-hyuk absorbed the attacks completely.
But, everything didn’t go according to his plan.
“Hey, b*stard, why aren’t you fighting properly?”
“…!”
“Ho, seriously? Are you dragging time? Are you letting those bugs escape?”
“….”
This villain wasn’t some random gang kids he had fought with before.
Recognizing his tactics.
Shocker’s expression darkened in annoyance.
“It’s no fun like this! No fun at all!!”
After waiting so long for this fight, how could you make it tepid?
It won’t work. Definitely won’t work.
How long have I waited for this day?
“Waiting for this hour of vengeance!!”
His defeat at the hands of Park Su-hyeok from back then still felt fresh.
Come to think of it, it was just like that.
Su-hyeok stepped in front, blocking the people escaping, saying arrogantly, “You shall not pass,” and severing his right arm.
“My hand still burns thinking about that day. And you? Paying attention to some random people instead of focusing on me? Are you joking? Because of some random trash?!”
If that’s the case…
I’ll get rid of them for you.
I’ll obliterate all of them, leaving you solely focused on me.
Shocker’s eyes turned towards the fleeing humans, filled with the intent to eradicate the pests that would ruin his battle.
At that moment.
The surging mana, the trembling waves.
The ominous energy spread around.
“…!”
Park Geon-hyuk promptly activated his magic. The magic circle expanding from his core.
This was the defensive magic, ‘Anti-Magic Shell’, set in reverse.
The intention was to channel the damage solely towards himself.
However.
“It won’t go as you wish.”
“…!!”
Seeing Shocker’s grinning eyes, Park Geon-hyuk instinctively felt that something was wrong.
Kwaaaaang-!!
Shocker triggered another explosion, using himself as the detonator.
The explosion spread in all directions. But this explosion was strange. It was somehow passing through the mana barrier Park Geon-hyuk had set up?
Shocker’s other alias, ‘Spell Breaker’.
The ability to produce flames that ‘ignore’ all magic, making him a calamity to all sorcerers.
Though similar to bloodline powers, because it didn’t link to them, this was treated as a ‘trait’ or ‘gift’.
The flames that surged through the ‘Anti-Magic Shell’ rose like a tidal wave.
Soon, a torrent of fire fell from above, turning the bridge into a sea of flames in an instant.
The fiery bridge, crackling and blazing. Cars that had been stationary were now charred black, spewing smoke, and New York’s sky was thick with black smoke.
The disaster was all the doing of Big Shocker.
However, Big Shocker himself looked far from pleased.
“…How.”
How did you block my ‘Spell Breaker’?
Originally, all those fleeing should have turned to ash. But look now. It’s only the middle of the bridge that’s burning.
That ‘Anti-Magic Shell’ I thought I had pierced is still functioning.
How did the Spell Breaker fail?
Shock filled Big Shocker’s eyes because it was something he had never experienced before.
“What just happened? How did you use your magic to counter my flames!”
Shocker screamed, his pride wounded as he shouted at Park Geon-hyuk like a child throwing a tantrum.
He watched silently.
“Cut it out already.”
“b*stard-!”
“Fk this nonsense.”
Park Geon-hyuk disassembled ‘Captain Tiger’.
As I’ve mentioned before, to Park Geon-hyuk with a giant’s body, the ‘Alpha Gear’ is nothing more and nothing less than an awkward shackle.
Park Geon-hyuk, free from the shackles, spoke.
“Thought I’d let you have some fun since I was observing?”
“How did you counter my flames with your magic! Answer me first-!!”
The flames came rushing forward as Shocker lunged, shouting the word ‘answer,’ masking Park Geon-hyuk completely like a wave of fire.
But.
“It’s simple.”
A magical hexagram appeared at the forefront.
The flames disappeared instantly before the hexagram.
“Because the fake can’t beat the real.”
Somehow, it seemed he could use fragments of ‘truth,’ but compared to the real Apocalypse, it was no more than just a crumb.
“Still, I have to admit it was interesting honestly.”
So, I’ll take it.
The moment Park Geon-hyuk’s eyes sparkled with a bright smile.
Darkness spread from him. The space, being devoured, saw Shocker try to escape, spewing flames.
Splash! Tentacles latched on.
“Where do you think you’re going? Let’s play.”
Nowhere to run.
With a smile, Park Geon-hyuk submerged himself in the darkness.
Then.
Kwaaaaang-!!
Tentacles covered the Brooklyn Bridge.
*
A distance away from the battlefield. A man in a cap looked up at the bridge.
“Yo~.”
Flame-devouring tentacles…
“Super freaking cool.”
The man, thrilled, picked up his phone. The signal connected, and the number ‘1’ appeared on the screen.
“Hey, One~. It’s me. Eighteen.”
Looking back at the bridge again, where the wriggling tentacles were still visible.
The flames slowly dissipated and didn’t even produce smoke anymore.
There’s no way anyone could survive from over there.
“Now I’m Seventeen~.”
The man turned away without any hesitation.
“His name was Park Geon-hyuk, wasn’t it? Slightly… scary.”
