“It’s been a while. Eun-gong.”
“…Congratulations on advancing to the main competition, Mok-kyeong.”
“Thank you.”
I never would have thought we’d run into each other here.
In a small garden tucked away in a corner of the Martial Alliance, we met by chance and were at a loss for words, blankly gazing at the garden. I was trying to review the contents of the match while taking a short stroll, but…
“…I’m going then.”
“No, I should be the one to leave.”
“It’s fine, you don’t have to go because of me.”
“There’s no need for you to leave because of me.”
…What is this situation?
It feels like the kind of scene you’d see in a manga.
I’ve experienced all sorts of things in my life, but I’m not really into having this kind of atmosphere with a guy.
“Let’s just sit down. How about we strike up a conversation?”
“…Yes.”
I sat down on the garden bench and blankly stared at the artificial pond. The sight of large koi fish swimming around was perfect for zoning out, so even after starting a conversation, I silently watched the scene for a while.
“…”
It’s suffocating.
Since he’s not exactly the most sociable person, I could already foresee that if I didn’t start the conversation, I’d have to leave the garden in a hurry after enduring an uncomfortable silence.
So I guess I have to be the one to start the conversation…
“How was the preliminary round?”
“I nearly got eliminated. I was attacked by a group in the middle, and if my movements were even slightly synchronized with theirs, I would have been eliminated without a doubt.”
…That’s true.
It was already the case in the original story, but even in reality, the ones who recognized Dan Mok-kyeong’s unsettling skills attacked her in a group. Though she managed to counter them using her incredible footwork and exceptional swordsmanship.
Still, her level itself is at the first-class level, but this protagonist—possessing a legendary talent—climbed to the peak after eating a medicinal herb in just a few months.
So building some rapport with him could be beneficial…
I turned my head to look at Mok-kyeong.
…Now that I think about it, there seems to be a slight difference in height compared to the description in the original work, though it might just be my towering size.
Could it be because I am too tall?
“…Do you have anything you’d like to say to me?”
“Um…you seem smaller than I expected.”
“…Isn’t Eun-gong just too tall?”
“You’re not wrong.”
Since even those who are somewhat large in build are not taller than me, her statement wasn’t incorrect.
By modern standards, I would be considered a giant.
Being over six feet tall and muscular…
“…Did you come here alone, Eun-gong?”
“As you can see.”
“I just wondered because I don’t see your usual companion.”
“Ah, Hye-ryeong went off to train. I’m just taking a short walk.”
“I see.”
And so, the awkward outdoor library reopened. Although we are connected by a favor relationship, we’re not extremely close, and neither of us is particularly sociable.
…We should just escape quickly.
I got up from the bench and turned around.
“I’m going to leave now—have a good—”
“…Eun-gong. Might I ask you for one small favor?”
A favor?
All of a sudden?
I immediately turned around and looked at Mok-kyeong, who was now looking at me with eyes full of yearning while making the request.
“Eun-gong, would you do me the honor of practicing martial arts with me?”
…A practice duel with the protagonist.
Although unexpected, this isn’t a bad development. After all, it’s a sparring session with the most talented prodigy of the Central Plains, which will surely be greatly beneficial for me, someone who’s similarly talented.
Still, I’m curious why you’re challenging me to a duel.
“What’s the reason you want to practice with me?”
“…Because there are almost no opportunities for me to challenge high-level experts. I don’t have any connections, and I’m just a low-ranking patrol member…”
“Are you really taking it easy as a low-ranking member?”
“For the main tournament, I was temporarily granted some free time.”
Ah, so they’re willing to give that level of accommodation. From the perspective of the patrol group, gaining talent would be ideal, and losing one low-ranking member wouldn’t make much of a difference anyway.
“Alright, if that’s the case. The venue…hmm. There’s an appropriate space at the Hainan Sword Sect’s quarters, so we can use that.”
“…Thank you, Eun-gong.”
Mok-kyeong bowed her head and paid her respects with a martial salute.
“There’s no need to thank me. To a martial artist, a duel is a means to seek self-improvement, so it’s not just beneficial for you.”
I nodded and readily accepted the sparring invitation.
————————-
The two arrived at a clearing to the west of the Hainan Sect’s quarters and faced each other, maintaining distance.
Although it wasn’t a vast space, it was sufficient since neither would be using advanced aerial techniques.
“Good place.”
“It’s only natural since this is the quarter assigned to the Nine Schools and One Sect.”
William and Dan Mok-kyeong drew their swords and stared at each other.
A longsword on one side, and an unremarkable iron sword on the other. The kind of sword you could easily find at any marketplace. William scrutinized the iron sword intently.
‘Clearly, it’s still early in the story. Seeing her carry an iron sword…’
He still remembered the iron sword being used to its breaking point day and night from the original story, so William looked at Mok-kyeong with a slightly excited expression, realizing he was seeing the original tale unfold in reality.
What was once a mere novel has now turned into an incredible experience as he stands sword-to-sword with the protagonist of that very story, even more so because of his role as a senior.
“I will yield the first move.”
“I gladly accept.”
The protagonist for now, but still at a beginner level.
Thus, William readily yielded the first move.
“I’m coming.”
“Come.”
As soon as the words left her lips, Mok-kyeong darted forward with a leap.
Her movements were light like a cat, but sharp like an eagle. William readied himself in an Ochs guard stance to receive the incoming attack.
‘The sword techniques of the Yunnam Dan Family are known for their intricate, ever-changing circular sword art worthy of its description as “myriad beauties.”’
Basing his judgment on the information in his head, William focused on the tip of her sword.
Since all changes in swordsmanship begin at the sword’s tip, observing it can reveal how the techniques will unfold.
As expected, her sword tip started creating residual images as it moved.
Up. Right. Left.
Three sword strikes come flying simultaneously.
‘Two are feints. One is the real strike.’
All three appear to be skillfully precise, but there can only be one real strike. William judged the attack from the right as the real one and slightly angled his sword to deflect the attack.
‘It’s light.’
A gentle attack rather than a strong one from the start.
‘She must have observed me fight before.’
Judging by how accurate her assessment was, William had little choice but to think so.
A powerful attack always comes with a vulnerability.
‘Eun-gong’s sword technique specializes in deflection. She must aim to fight while minimizing force…’
William might have ended things quickly with an aggressive approach regardless of whether the attack was light or heavy, but this was a practice match to improve each other’s skill. Therefore, he maintained a relatively passive stance and refrained from counterattacking.
After exchanging several moves, Mok-kyeong retreated briefly using her footwork, caught her breath, and raised her sword again.
“I will attack again.”
“Come on.”
Mok-kyeong shot forward like an arrow released from a bow, her movement worthy of the phrase “lightning-fast.” William followed her movements with his eyes and swiftly adjusted his stance while swinging his sword.
Phloque.
The sudden appearance of an unfamiliar stance prompted Mok-kyeong to counter with dozens of sword strikes.
‘The uppermost techniques of the Central Plains truly embody an opulent elegance.’
While Western arts could become extravagant after mastery, they possessed a different quality than the Central Plains’ martial arts, leaving William no choice but to admire.
‘The sword that rips through the enemy into thousands of pieces, known as “Chien-jian” when accomplished…it’s still immature.’
Even for an outstanding genius, bridging the gap in realms isn’t easy.
With his mana-enhanced strength, William took a step forward and delivered a thrust.
At a glance, it might have seemed like a mutually assured destruction move, but an incomplete and awkward technique wouldn’t be able to deal with a sword that had accurately intercepted its path.
Mok-kyeong gritted her teeth upon seeing her own sword immobilized by the longsword and attempted to pull herself back.
But William was not going to give her the space to escape. With a light step, he brought his sword close to her face.
“…I yield.”
After sheathing her sword and stepping back, Mok-kyeong opened her mouth in amazement.
“…You’re truly remarkable. I didn’t think a technique I just learned could be dismantled so easily…”
“…The view changes depending on where you stand.”
“View changes depending on where you stand… That’s it… I shouldn’t have only focused on my own perspective…”
‘…What?’
William was at a loss for words as the sudden shift in Mok-kyeong’s demeanor caught him off guard.
‘Is this reasonable?’
Confused, William put his sword away.
Further dueling was not only unnecessary but also meaningless since Mok-kyeong had now closed her eyes, having entered a deep meditative state.
“…I’ve never seen anyone enter enlightenment just from a single sentence.”
‘Is this what it means to be the protagonist? Is it really acceptable to be this unreasonable?’
“Ajeossi? What are you doing here…?”
“…Hye-ryeong. Shh.”
“What?”
“Stay with me for a moment to guard her.”
Upon noticing Mok-kyeong entering a deep meditative state, Hye-ryeong’s expression shifted from irritation to surprise, then to seriousness.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a martial artist.
Being a martial artist herself, despite the tinge of jealousy, Hye-ryeong followed William’s suggestion and guarded the surroundings.
An unexpected situation unfolded for the entire duration of one cycle before it concluded.
Mok-kyeong opened her eyes with a more steady demeanor and bowed deeply to William.
“Thank you! Eun-gong. I will never forget this favor!”
“…Ah…sure.”
With a bemused expression, William nodded.
