<The Demon Lord of the Swordsmanship Family Chapter 14>
There was a saying that the wise old man always emphasized.
“Try seeing things from another’s perspective.”
Humans are naturally egocentric. At the root of most problems is usually a clash of perspectives. So, try switching it around. If you can imagine being the other person, problems often resolve themselves far more easily than expected.
This is truly the case. Most problems seem to untangle themselves if you simply follow the wise old man’s advice and change your perspective.
Interpersonal relationships are no different.
Merhem, for instance, is someone who views the world more with her mind than her body, a quintessential type of a sorcerer. People like her need a clearly defined plan to be convinced.
But what about Han Jun-woo?
He’s someone who views the world more with his body than his mind. The quintessential warrior or martial artist. How do you approach such a person?
You talk with your body. Throw the first punch, shed some bl**d, deeply engage in physical combat, and before you know it, they’re convinced.
Kind of like right now.
“What did you just do?”
“What? Engage in a frontal attack?”
“This application…”
“Ki-hyuk! How much longer do I have to run?”
The last one seemed a little strange, but…
Regardless, this guy, who usually couldn’t say a word, is suddenly talking three times more now that we’ve had a real physical showdown.
This, my friends, is what’s known as ‘physical dialogue.’ Old man, you were right all along.
Once communication became smooth, everything else fell into place. All I had to do was impart the knowledge I had gained, and it went on from there.
You surely wouldn’t think I have any doubts about teaching Han Jun-woo how to wield a sword. A perfect necromancer is also a mage, a warrior, and a commander.
And how many sword-fighting techniques have I ‘acquired’? Could I possibly fail to teach even a novice?
“There are some swordsmen who criticize dual-wielding as not fundamental. Ridiculous! Dual-wielding is actually the most versatile form of swordsmanship. Watch carefully—this hand moves like this, and the other hand does this…”
“It’s not our family’s style… but, uh, let’s just say I made it up.”
“Hey, Mary. You’re done running? Yeah, go ahead and do 10 sets of squats over there.”
From the imperial sword style, often taught as the standard, to the quick-living methods of mercenaries, thieves, pirates, and the ‘Getzard Assassin Techniques’, to ‘Emperor Sword & Shield’, created specifically to protect the emperor—my mind is filled with a truckload of martial arts knowledge. Naturally, I can wield all of them, and just as naturally, the skeleton under my command can wield them as well.
Now do you understand why I’m called the Demon Lord?
The art of the sword I taught Han Jun-woo is called ‘The Sword That Carries the Stars.’ Though it may have a juvenile name, the creator of this technique was far from childish.
The Sword Master.
Or, as some call him, the Sword Madman. This style was created by a man obsessed with the sword.
As a side note, the so-called ‘barbaric, crude, and torturous training’ that Merhem is currently enduring is the training method of the Mercenary King.
Between teaching these two, I made sure to take care of my own affairs.
“Ki-hyuk! You’re a devil! A devil, I tell you!!”
“…I don’t understand.”
“Why? Mary has been yelling during training plenty of times, hasn’t she?”
“No, your technique… the more I look at it, the more it seems abnormal. Fundamentally, swordsmanship must be balanced between attack and defense, but your technique… it neglects defense entirely.”
“Ho, you really know your stuff. Let me give you a hint: I don’t need to defend.”
“I don’t need to defend?”
“That’s right. Hmm, is this the correct way to use this?”
“What are you asking me about your clan’s bloodline for?”
“I’m new to this side, you know. Look quickly. Oh, I forgot to refill the curse.”
“GYAAK! I’m going to k*ll you!!”
“…This is confusing. Very confusing.”
By reviewing the experiences of my past life through Han Jun-woo and acquiring new talents in this life, I have grown immensely stronger.
Through Merhem, I’ve further fortified my soul.
And amidst all this, there’s been a little bit of fun involved too.
While I was busy with all this, time passed, and the academy’s major event, the ‘Club Season,’ was quickly approaching.
“…and in this way, the spear leverages the advantage of distance, whereas the sword boasts overwhelming versatility in convenience and usability.”
The professor stopped and pulled out a spear. Of course, right in front of me.
“What’s the matter? Pick it up already.”
“Yes.”
I shrugged and picked up the sword.
The professor immediately looked flustered. He probably wanted to demonstrate distance fighting by using the spear, but the sword in my hand was just as long and large as the spear.
“Are you using a greatsword?”
“Yes.”
“Ah… that’s problematic.”
The professor alternated his gaze between the spear and the greatsword, sighed, and moved aside. My unfortunate classmate stared at me with a mix of regret and envy.
“Well, just use the greatsword then,” I said with a smirk.
Soon after, the professor engaged in a demonstration with the classmate, and everyone gathered around in a swarm. To be clear, this lecture combined both theory and combat practice, so even though it’s a mandatory course, it’s extremely popular.
It’s also a very useful class for me.
While the empire’s martial arts evolved to suit large-scale battles, the Earth’s martial arts here were tailored for fighting large beasts in Gate raids.
By contrasting these, I can observe not just different martial arts, but also the cultural nuances of this world.
“…which is how we conclude. For today’s homework…”
Suddenly, the whole classroom collectively held their breath.
“It will be the same as last time: ‘Practical Hunting.'”
“AAAAHHH—!”
“Professor sir!”
“This is Club Recruitment Week…”
As the students voiced their complaints, the professor remained firm.
“I’m aware that you’re excited about the clubs, but you are students of the academy. As prospective Hunters or Knights, you can’t neglect real combat. Group leaders, don’t forget to submit your Gate participation records to the TA. If even one member skips, your team will receive a penalty.”
The professor left, and the sound of sighs filled the lecture hall.
“What do we do? I have a Club Welcome Party this weekend. Both Saturday and Sunday are now taken with hunting.”
“You at least have a club picked out. I haven’t even decided yet.”
“Leader, can this be skipped?”
“It can’t. Remember what happened last time when we had someone proxy the hunt? Everyone must attend. No exceptions.”
Clubs…
Along with midterms and finals, the in-school ranking battles, and the festival, Club Recruitment is one of the five major events of the academy.
At first, I thought it was just a social gathering or a club for acquaintances.
After all, why would mere socializing count as one of the academy’s major events?
But after looking into it, I found it’s actually pretty interesting.
“Really? You’re joining ‘Gurumi’? It’s part of the ‘Changcheon’ line! Incredible, I’m so jealous!”
“Uh… I think I might’ve been rejected. I was trying to get into the Zeus line.”
“Hyu-joo, come with me. They say they’ll accept you if we go together. Let’s go for Jevaal!”
If group activities build cooperation, clubs offer a scaled-down version of society. Depending on the ‘lines,’ members support each other, and during the upcoming recruitment period in the festival, clubs even assist in networking.
From what I’ve heard, some clubs even give out their own scholarships based on abilities, so the club you decide on can significantly impact your future.
“Ki-hyuk, have you picked out your club yet?”
“Hmm.”
“Isn’t yours the ‘Optimium’ side?”
“Yes, Ki-hyuk. Optimium is ‘Julsenggiya,’ right?”
“What? ‘Julsenggiya’?”
“‘Happy living, energetic morning.’ It’s the only band club in the academy.”
“What kind of dimwit would come up with a name like that?”
“Your older brother.”
“…The more I think about it, the better the name sounds. It feels grand and majestic.”
Ignoring the two disgruntled faces, I quickly changed the subject after hearing the whole story.
It turns out…
‘Julsenggiya’
Which stands for ‘Happy Living, Energetic Morning.’
Officially known around the academy as the Band Club, it was founded by none other than Park Su-hyeok, my older brother.
Because of this, the club receives sponsorship and good support from Optimium.
But honestly, isn’t the name kind of terrible? I was reluctant to criticize my brother, whom I’ve never met, but why did he choose such a name for a club? I don’t get it.
“What about you guys, where are you planning to go?”
“Hmm… I’ve been thinking about ‘Neighbor Country.’ They’re recruiting foreigners in Korea, too.”
“What about you, Jun-woo?”
“I’m not considering anything.”
“Jun-woo, you can’t do that. Participating in a club is mandatory.”
This is the problem.
Truthfully, I wanted to go to the Gates like Jun-woo rather than waste time with this club business. But clubs are mandatory. You have to join one.
“Looks like I have no choice. I’ll follow you.”
“d*mn, I was about to say the same thing. Mary, what should we do? Should we just join the same place you’re going? We’re practically one body anyway.”
“One body? Can you please be more careful with your choice of words? Clubs are important, alright?!”
After being lectured again by the persistent Mary about the importance of clubs…
Well, I feel otherwise.
As much as I understand the focus on the future,
Ultimately, doesn’t being superhuman mean power and strength?
We are superhumans. We live in a world where our abilities prove everything. If you’re confident in your own strength, who cares where you end up?
Lines, acquaintances, future prospects…
Why group up for such trivial reasons?
It’s embarrassing.
“Eh, never mind. I’m off to train.”
“I agree. Same here.”
“Wait a moment! Were you even listening? This is really important! Ki-hyuk! Stop! Ki-hyuk! Stop already!!”
That’s how we ended up heading not to the recruitment ground, but to the sweat-drenched underground training facility instead.
Of course, Mary came along too.
“I’m going to k*ll you!!”
However, later that evening, I found myself caught in the same discussion again, this time with my mother.
The moment I was about to scoop some deliciously steaming soft tofu with my spoon, my mom’s voice stopped me.
“What are you going to do about the club situation, son?”
“Hmm…”
“Surely, you didn’t just head straight to the training field saying ‘whatever happens, happens,’ did you?”
“…Precognition?”
“It’s more of a passive skill. A mom knows everything her child does, naturally.”
“Come on, Mom…”
“Oh my, are you implying I’m joking?”
“Then try guessing. What did I do today?”
Mom took a sip of water and then, without needing to think, spoke immediately.
“You probably went straight to the training field after class. You stacked a lot of barbells and worked out, annoyed by the monotony, you played around with the princess, then worked out again, and when you got hungry, you just ordered delivery. You probably ordered jjajangmyeon, right? You’ve been obsessed with it lately.”
“…!”
…Mom, you’re spot on!
“Right? Your face says it all. And since I’m on a roll, let me guess about your thoughts—clubs? Are you kidding me? Strength is all that matters! Running another Gate would’ve been better than wasting time on clubs, right?”
“Wow…”
Clap, clap.
I stopped chewing my rice and applauded.
This reasoning is absolutely flawless. Even the part about teasing Mary was so accurate it felt as if she had been watching me the whole time.
Truly, Mom, you possess incredible abilities. I couldn’t help but bow my head in admiration.
“But look at you… I thought you’d at least have some consideration, but you seriously didn’t. You’re just like your dad when it comes to these things.”
“I do have thoughts.”
“Thank heavens, it’s refreshing to hear that. Tell me what your thoughts are, my son.”
“Well… To me, clubs seem like a mini society. Things like lines and relationships—all that stuff—are just part of the social skills you learn as you grow, and… furthermore…”
Do you really think I have no thoughts?
I’m just too lazy to bother. I’ve lived through enough in my past, so why would I get hyped up like these fresh-faced kids?
“Based on my analysis, I think the academy uses these clubs to control the power of group leaders. Structurally, group activities are unavoidable, and a group leader’s power is absolute. On the other hand, clubs encourage individual activities, creating a breathing space for those who might not like their assigned teams.”
“Indeed, our son gets straight to the heart of the matter.”
“That’s why I also thought… these clubs actually breed weakness.”
“Right, son… wait… what??”
“From what I’ve seen, lions raise their cubs by throwing them off cliffs. Without a fallback, you have no choice but to grow.”
“Ki… Ki-hyuk.”
“‘No, that’s not what I meant.’” Mom waves her hand in a hurry, but I don’t notice. Right now, I’m not just Park Ki-hyuk the son, I’m Captain Park Ki-hyuk!
“As a group leader! A group leader with the responsibility to develop his members should remove any obstacles to their growth!”
Even if it’s the academy’s intention to promote social skills, as the group leader, I will refuse.
For the sake of true strength alone.
“I’m going to start my own club.”
I’ve already named it.
“Endless Hell.”
Heh heh.
…
…
…
Shiver…
“What’s with you? Why are you suddenly trembling?”
