Mid-afternoon.
On a sweltering summer day, Jeong Yusin ran through the streets and arrived at the Swordsmanship Guild.
Originally, he was supposed to visit two days later, but given the situation, he had no choice.
At the reception desk of the Swordsmanship Guild sat a bald, muscular giant.
Killa.
The second-in-command of the Swordsmanship Guild.
Jeong Yusin approached the desk.
“Vice Guildmaster, thank you for your hard work.”
“Hm? Scath, weren’t you supposed to come two days later?”
“I thought it’d be better to deal with things quickly this time.”
Jeong Yusin’s reply made Killa smirk.
“Did you get into trouble again?”
“Something like that.”
He had buried all the assassins in the southern forest.
Had the news not yet reached Ashur’s ears?
The disguise as a jester might still be holding up.
Killa shook his head as he spoke.
“Regrettably, the Guildmaster has gone to the Central Zone. I heard he needs to consult with the Labyrinth City Committee.”
Labyrinth City Committee.
Ingrid Redtail.
Luke Wyseman.
Those two briefly crossed Jeong Yusin’s mind before disappearing.
Jeong Yusin scratched his head.
“Then, should I come back later?”
“Since you’re already here, why don’t you have a practice match? A duel might bring Guildmaster Ashur back.”
“Sounds good.”
Killa’s suggestion was met with a quick nod from Jeong Yusin.
It had been a good opportunity to gauge how much he had grown after multiple battles.
Killa is the second strongest human in the Swordsmanship Guild.
In short, the second-in-command of the “just eat, poop, and train” crew.
Jeong Yusin didn’t believe he could win.
But.
It was difficult to suppress the rising competitiveness.
Killa must’ve read his expression because he smiled.
“Scath, are you antsy? Want to see whose sword is stronger?”
Jeong Yusin’s expression stiffened.
“Vice Guildmaster, your words carry a sexual undertone. Please refrain.”
“…I don’t know what you mean, but apologies.”
Killa stood up and apologized.
Jeong Yusin followed Killa to the training ground.
Despite the scorching summer sun, people with exposed torsos were swinging various weapons, drenched in sweat.
Guild members gathered around Killa and Jeong Yusin.
“Vice Guildmaster, are you going to spar with the new recruit?”
A muscular elf asked on behalf of the group.
Without saying anything, the members had already discerned the situation. Their insights were sharp.
“That’s right. If you want to watch, feel free.”
As Killa finished speaking, people plopped down on the muddy ground without hesitation, showing their toughness under the blazing sun.
A circular space quickly formed as a young guild member who Jeong Yusin had previously seen at an inn brought out two practice swords.
Blunt but iron-made longswords.
‘It’s been a while since I’ve used a longsword.’
Recently, he had only been handling the one-handed aming swords.
Jeong Yusin grabbed the longsword with both hands and swung it a few times.
Killa’s expression turned curious.
“Why? Is something wrong?”
“It’s nothing. I’ve only been using aming swords recently. It’s nice and heavy; that’s why I keep picking up longswords.”
“Hmm? Take it slow then.”
Killa shouldered his sword, continuing.
“Scath, I heard you run around the courtyard every day?”
“That’s correct.”
“Did you run today?”
“Yes.”
“In that case, warm up lightly.”
“Understood.”
Killa watched as Jeong Yusin loosened up with the iron sword still on his shoulder.
A young half-barbaroy.
The only one the lazy Guildmaster responds to.
No matter how great the debt of gratitude was for saving Della, the youngest sister of the Starlight family, it seemed excessive that a Sword Master would personally teach him to such an extent.
There must be something about him that draws people in.
Could it be his talent?
Or his fighting spirit?
It’s time for a test.
Once he finished warming up, Jeong Yusin stared at Killa.
A smile played on Killa’s lips.
Though he spends most of his days handling guild paperwork tied to a desk, at his core, Killa was still a swordsman.
“I’m ready.”
“Let’s go.”
Killa gripped his sword tightly.
Whoosh!
The ground beneath him cracked as he surged forward, stepping powerfully.
He transitioned from a mid-level strike straight into a downward slash.
Swishhh!!
The massive blow of Killa’s sword aimed to split Jeong Yusin’s head apart.
With a gleam in his eyes, Jeong Yusin stepped forward.
He tilted the longsword slightly upward.
Deflecting it?
Could he pull it off?
Clang!!!
When the blades collided, sparks flew.
No.
Jeong Yusin gritted his teeth.
Even with a light parry, his grip on the sword tingled painfully.
This was a different level from an ordinary dark elf wielding a rapier.
Indeed, the vice guildmaster of the Swordsmanship Guild possessed strength not to be underestimated.
Clanggg!!!
Clanggg!!!
The sharp sounds of swords clashing resonated through the training grounds.
The onlookers began to chat amongst themselves.
“Hey, check out the rookie over there trying to twist the sword?”
“He’s audacious. Is it because he’s still half-barbaroy?”
“Look at the stance of the new guy. Blocking and thrusting are like an art!”
“Vice Guildmaster, please show some strength!”
As people stood with their arms crossed, each added their two cents.
Teeeeeng!!!
Killa mentally noted as he deflected Jeong Yusin’s sword.
‘Talent. His posture is impeccable but shows improvisation in places. He has already carved his own path. Is he substituting experience with instincts? Truly a beast of a man.’
Once Killa had assessed quickly, he lunged forward.
This type is weak to feints.
If fooled a few times by his paint-like techniques, it would lead to doubting his own senses.
Killa’s sword’s trajectory shifted instantly.
From a downward slash, it transformed into a thrust.
As Jeong Yusin raised his sword to block, he hesitated.
Killa’s sword was thrusting towards his chest.
Can I avoid it?
He made his decision in the blink of an eye.
One. Two.
Three.
Vvvwwwwh!!
He twisted his body at the right moment, avoiding the blade by the length of a pinky finger.
“Whoa, insane. Even in a practice match, to be that fearless?”
Someone muttered in disbelief.
Without breaking his stance, Jeong Yusin lunged forward to stab. His target was the throat. A refined technique of targeting weaknesses honed through life-and-death battles.
Killa’s body spun to the side, dodging Jeong Yusin’s sword with ease.
Pwack!!!
“Guuh!”
Killa struck Jeong Yusin’s neck lightly with the pommel of his sword.
Due to the solid hit, Jeong Yusin collapsed to his knees, his strength abandoning him.
Killa sheathed his sword and spoke.
“Scath, this isn’t a fight to the death. Moderate your actions.”
“…Apologies.”
“Let’s leave it at that.”
Killa revised his evaluation of Jeong Yusin.
‘Strong fighting spirit. Guildmaster Ashur must guide him well.’
People started chatting again.
“Where is the Guildmaster, by the way?”
“Who knows? Probably lounging somewhere before passing out. Might be sleeping on top of the guild’s roof.”
Just as Jeong Yusin was about to speak, Ashur suddenly appeared in one corner of the training ground.
“Have you had enough sightseeing? Those who want to wrestle stay behind.”
Grumbling, the crowd dispersed.
Jeong Yusin got up and bowed deeply towards Killa.
“Vice Guildmaster, I have learned a great deal today. Thank you.”
“Keep pushing yourself.”
Killa smiled and patted Jeong Yusin’s shoulder.
While he worried about certain aspects, Jeong Yusin was respectful and talented. He was a promising new member.
“Killa, walking into a bear’s mouth, eh?”
Ashur joked.
“What do you mean by that?”
“If you lose to this kid, you’ll get eaten. Regardless of being half-blooded, he’s still barbaroy.”
Killa’s eyes widened as he turned his head sharply.
“Will I…really?”
“Not true.”
Jeong Yusin looked at Ashur harshly.
“Don’t spread rumors when you suddenly appear. Where do such wild tales even come from? Hah.”
“Fact, though. What was it? The loser is the female? Or the one who shows their back is the female? Don’t recall exactly, but I’ve heard something similar.”
“I told you, it’s not true. Isn’t it about time you started trusting me?”
Jeong Yusin protested indignantly.
Regardless, Ashur pointed at Jeong Yusin while looking at Killa.
“Killa, be careful with this one. Looks innocent, acts pure, but once you let your guard down, you’ll be screwed. Believe me.”
“Guildmaster, from what I see, Scath doesn’t seem like that kind of person.”
“At least that’s what you think. Like letting opportunities slip by carelessly. Just like your hair. Once it’s too late, it’s already done.”
Killa turned serious.
“Ashur, please temper that.”
“Alright, the joke’s over. Back to work, Vice Guildmaster.”
“I’ll head back even though it’s not my job. Scath, good work.”
“Thank you, Vice Guildmaster.”
Killa returned to the Swordsmanship Guild building.
Ashur crossed his arms and observed Jeong Yusin.
“You were trembling during that practice. What’s wrong?”
Had he been watching from somewhere?
Indeed, it’s hard to deceive the eyes of a Sword Master.
“Improvisation kept coming to mind, and it was hard to control.”
Eyes-gouging, spitting, kicking, throwing dirt, etc.
Every dirty trick from back alley fights came to mind, making it hard to resist.
“Huh. Don’t need details, but I can guess.”
To quickly change the subject out of conscience.
“That said, I do have a problem.”
“What is it?”
“It’s regarding the side-effects of the imprint. How should I suppress them?”
Ashur thought deeply before speaking.
“Training. When your mind wavers, so does your sword. Didn’t I mention that before? The subconscious movements can be overcome the same way.”
“Constant training?”
“Exactly. Swinging a sword even in your dreams should be fine. Perfect opportunity.”
‘Huh.’
Jeong Yusin swallowed his sigh.
The road ahead was clear, and it was full of toil.
Attending Mion’s classes in the morning and afternoon.
And now, bone-grinding training late into the night.
Jeong Yusin nodded.
“Alright, let’s try it once.”
Ashur smiled slightly.
A disciple with perseverance.
“Then, why don’t you start morning training? Books don’t feed you, don’t take it too seriously.”
“Not possible.”
Jeong Yusin replied seriously. Survival in the Labyrinth required essential information. He couldn’t ignore the treasure trove of knowledge at the library.
‘That yellow-furred guy didn’t die for nothing; I need to absorb everything like licking the floor.’
Did Yu Fei die in vain?
Strategizing is necessary for survival.
“Alright then.”
“Please guide me well.”
“…”
Ashur noticed Jeong Yusin’s hand slowly creeping towards his stomach and looked up.
“What’s wrong with you? This isn’t going to work. First, let’s add sandbags to your arms. Heavy ones.”
“Sandbags?”
Jeong Yusin looked at his own hand, then nodded.
“I extended my hand for a handshake.”
“Enough of that nonsense. Get sandbags on and grab your sword. You’ve got nothing better to do today, right? Let’s roll.”
“Understood.”
Jeong Yusin held his sword and took his stance. Ashur was pleased with his posture.
*
Under the crescent moon.
Creeeak!
The inn door opened as Jeong Yusin entered. Covered in dirt and sweat from rolling around in the mud all day.
“Master Scath!”
Tarman who was guarding the shop came over.
“What’s the matter?”
“Not really, it’s just that you came back late, so I was waiting.”
“Visiting the Swordsmanship Guild on my way back. Starting tomorrow, I’ll come back at this time, so you can go home early after tidying up the shop.”
“Understood, sir.”
After sending Tarman off, Jeong Yusin went upstairs, wiped his body with a wet towel after changing out of his clothes, and lifted his bed.
“Chirk?”
Lin lay in the middle of the bed, spread-eagled.
“You know I told you it’s dangerous to lie on the bed like that.”
Carefully picking Lin up and placing her to the side, he lay down.
Lin wriggled her way up to his chest.
“Give me a massage?”
“Chirk!”
“Sorry, I’m too tired. I’ll do it later.”
“Chirk, chirk!”
Jeong Yusin patted the frustrated Lin and closed his eyes.
‘What’s the harm in missing a day?’
He was too exhausted after the relentless training.
Jeong Yusin used Lin’s whines as a lullaby and surrendered his body to the night under the watchful eye of darkness.
