Chapter 148

The guest is received differently depending on who visits.

Heh. The righteous do not come, and those who visit are not righteous.

Language is the realm of empathy. Generally believed to be so, these words have survived for a long time because they never faded. Ultimately, language doesn’t die because everyone shares this common understanding.

“Sure is a nice village.”

While stroking his beard with a smile, I can’t help but think about what kind of guest this sword master is to me. That’s how it goes when you’re in the position of someone weak who has to rely on others’ goodwill.

“Thank you for looking kindly upon us.”

“Ho ho. Usually, people who live only for their swords don’t possess such talents.”

“Why don’t we all just live happily together?”

“That’s a good mindset.”

Early in the morning, the sword master invaded our peaceful breakfast like an invader. He was an unwelcome disturbance, creating tension wherever he went.

It’s because we’re at a disadvantage. Even if the sword master comes with good intentions, there’s still the risk that things could go wrong if we upset him.

“Enjoy your meal.”

“Congratulations. You carry a great life within you.”

“Thank you.”

Just by praising the child, my tension slightly melted away. That’s what being a dad feels like. A person who struggles hard to protect their domain. When the visitor shows no intention of breaking it, only then can one smile and face them.

“Grandpa, what’s up?”

“Huh? Hohoho!”

“Can I touch it?”

Children are special. They have the ability to ease the atmosphere and spread innocence. It’s not something they intentionally do—it’s the natural result of curiosity and purity.

Yul reaches out to touch the sword master’s beard. “Grandpa” must be something Yul learned while wandering around the village. Yul learns quickly after all.

The sword master willingly lets Yul touch his beard. The roughness of white bristles contrasts with the neatly trimmed appearance. It looks cool, but it’s a bit coarse for a child to touch.

“It tingles!”

“Ho ho ho.”

“Eh…”

Even though the sensation didn’t bring joy, Yul’s pouting mouth only makes her cuter. The sword master’s smile refuses to fade.

“You’ve got a wonderful family here.”

“Yes, we truly have a great family.”

There’s no need to say anything extravagant about how good our family is. Back when we first fell into this world, I might have thought this happiness was extraordinary, but not now. And it’s not arrogance thinking no one else can make our family happy except me. We’re simply a family that likes each other and tries to be good to each other.

We’re becoming better parents little by little, living day by day to maintain our happy daily lives.

“I understand where your stability comes from.”

“I’m always grateful.”

“That’s a good attitude.”

Our conversation with the sword master pauses momentarily. Evangelin’s grand feast naturally breaks the silence. It was a magnificent banquet worthy of description as both elegant and splendid.

“The food lives up to its reputation—truly excellent.”

My shoulders rise involuntarily. I’ve been aware of how consistently and diligently she’s worked. Cooking became interesting to her, and overcoming fire led her to the culinary arts. Her steady improvement and dedication set an example for me to keep growing alongside her.

Her diligence gradually elevated her cooking skills. The variety and delicate details of the meals prepared every morning prove it. The sword master’s satisfaction stems from similar reasoning—the small yet intricate efforts, the many flavors found in even the tiniest dishes.

“The effort of the chef shines through, making it very enjoyable.”

“Thank you.”

“This friend had reasons to praise. Eating this every day, wouldn’t you want to brag? Isn’t that right?”

“Of course.”

“Hehe, you wouldn’t stop talking about it.”

“There’s no reason to hesitate when speaking the truth.”

“You look happy.”

The sword master’s warmth hasn’t wavered once. He continues in a calm and composed manner.

The power to maintain stability anywhere. It’s the pride that comes with the abilities of an old man. If someone has such abilities, they can probably act like this anywhere. But choosing not to flaunt it is a sign of respect for the high-ranking sword master.

Though I did invite him, I wasn’t expecting him to show up so suddenly, which caused some initial fluster. Over time, that feeling calmed down, and by the end of the meal, he felt more like a friendly neighborhood grandpa, all thanks to Yul.

Because Yul touched the sword master’s beard and showed affection, the old man burst into hearty laughter and radiated warmth.

“I need to digest. Let’s take a walk.”

“Yes.”

The old man slowly walks outside, signaling me specifically. Naturally, I follow him along the forest trail designed for strolling, walking leisurely.

With every measured step, I feel clarity and composure. His stable aura remains firmly intact, impossible to gauge despite trying.

Looking at the old man evokes a complex mix of impressions—diversity that defies singular definition.

“Well…how long has it been since you faced your wall?”

“Not very long.”

“Is that so?”

In the heart of the forest, surrounded by the scent of greenery, the sword master turns around.

“You.”

“Yes.”

“What do you think lies beyond where you are now?”

“Do you mean the next level?”

“Ho ho.”

The old man just laughs. The next level. Simply put, it’s the system-defined state of mastery reached through achievements. Something attained naturally without much thought. Hence, I never gave it much consideration.

Why would a gamer deeply study the specifics of the next level they’ll reach?

That’s why I hadn’t given it much thought.

“It seems you haven’t thought about it.”

“Yes, I haven’t pondered it separately.”

“Do you have any desire?”

“Yes.”

“I have immense desires. I don’t know how often I see potential and talent like yours…”

A faint trace of nostalgia lingers in the sword master’s words.

“To surpass means to build a foundation that won’t collapse.”

The old man sits on a tree stump and gestures for me to come closer. Following his signal, I sit on the damp ground covered with spring dew. Though the slightly moist soil is noticeable, I pay it no mind.

“Is there a phrase that supports your life?”

“Do you mean a value system?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm…”

Value system. Never really thought about it.

Just work hard.

Live well.

Be happy.

Day by day, struggling earnestly led to these results. There was no grand ambition driving me forward. Rather, achieving short-term goals and striving for continuous improvement brought me here. My motivation stems from the simple desire to get better—a drive shared by most humans. It’s difficult to encapsulate such complexities into a single concept or word.

“That’s usually tough. Either too hard or nonexistent.”

“Yes, it’s quite challenging.”

“Who isn’t? Summarizing various moments of life into one word is inherently difficult.”

Exactly. Life is incredibly complex and can’t be easily summarized into a single concept.

“Try putting in the effort.”

“Huh?”

“It might give you a clue. Consolidating everything into one and cutting off the unnecessary branches.”

“…”

“Come on, hurry up. Watching the scenery alone here gets lonely and boring.”

The sword master says this while chuckling.

“If I may share a bit of my story, I wanted to stand above the sky. My endless pursuit of improvement and obsession with strength brought me here. Looking back, aside from the sword, I abandoned everything, resulting in a somewhat deformed structure when viewed holistically.”

“So you focused solely on the sword.”

“Yes. So, what happens to the surroundings?”

Indeed, a sense of loneliness emanates from the old man’s words.

“Now that I’m here, even if I regret it, my pillar is already firm and unshakable. What can be done? I have to keep pushing forward. Passion can ignite at any age, regardless of how old you are.”

“Are you still passionate now?”

“Absolutely. That’s why I’m subtly coaxing you here. Training matches are the best way to improve.”

Ah, I remember. That training match with the sword master where I was sweating bullets under intense pressure. Calling it a training match might be a stretch. It felt more like guidance, so labeling it a mentorship session might be more appropriate.

“In the end, Master wants to grow me stronger because you seek a sparring partner.”

“Why not? You’re the only one in this area with potential.”

From the perspective of gaining combat experience, it’s not bad for me either. With a bit of hardship, it’s actually quite beneficial.

“Step up. Even a small step changes the view. Given your current progress, it will be hard to defeat me…for now. It’s not satisfying hitting you yet.”

“Could you explain more precisely? Does consolidating everything into one mean establishing a core value system?”

“Exactly. That’s how I ascended. Everyone is born with different traits, but ultimately, within the human species, we’re all similar, aren’t we?”

“Umm…”

“I hope this helps. If you have questions, feel free to ask. Old age makes traveling long distances less appealing.”

“You seem more energetic than me.”

“You talk well for someone wielding a sword. Are you secretly noble?”

“Just stating the obvious.”

“Heh. Flattery won’t make my training easier on you.”

Guess there’s no option to avoid it. I smirk bitterly.

This old man, this sword master, might be lonely. Seeing his efforts to elevate me in various ways makes me feel that way.

Value system. Consolidation. Still unclear, but it’s a new perspective. Could this be what the abstract achievements were referring to?

“Please tell your wife that the meal was delicious, unmatched by anything I’ve eaten recently.”

“Will you leave now?”

“What use is an old man lingering here? However, if I don’t find you soon, I’ll come looking myself…understood?”

“I’ll visit before it’s too late.”

“Glad to hear it.”

Smiling, the sword master walks toward the sky.

“Curious about the next level?”

“Huh?”

“It’s just…my legs ache after walking too long. Too old for that now.”

Sharpness gathers in the old man’s sword. Incredibly sharp, it slices through the air slowly and deliberately.

The cleanly severed space remains as a void. On the opposite side created by several more cuts, a massive castle stands. The rippling space reveals another world.

“Once you reach it, you can do things like this. Who says you need magic to traverse spaces? You can do it with a sword too.”

“…Truly remarkable.”

“That felt genuine, so I appreciate it. I’ll go ahead. See you again later.”

And with that, the serene old man steps across the space, leaving behind an absurd scene. Just casually crossing dimensions with a sword, as if eating a meal. And he chose me as his sparring partner.

Will I be able to do such feats when I reach mastery? Hard to say.

Even if it’s possible with magic now, tearing through space with a sword seems unfathomably incredible. He was certainly unique in many ways.

Still unsure.

Walking through space with a sword—just casually, like having a meal.

—

“Tell your wife I enjoyed the meal immensely.”

“I’ll convey that.”

“The old man doesn’t linger unnecessarily. But if I wait too long, I’ll come looking…so remember that.”

“I’ll visit sooner rather than later.”

“Good news indeed.”

Laughing, the sword master ascends toward the heavens.

“Curious about the next level?”

“Huh?”

“It’s just…my legs ache after walking too long. Too old for that now.”

His sword grows razor-sharp. Incredibly sharp, it slices through the air slowly and deliberately.

The cleanly severed space remains as a void. On the opposite side created by several more cuts, a massive castle stands. The rippling space reveals another world.

“Once you reach it, you can do things like this. Who says you need magic to traverse spaces? You can do it with a sword too.”

“…Truly remarkable.”

“That felt genuine, so I appreciate it. I’ll go ahead. See you again later.”

And with that, the serene old man steps across the space, leaving behind an absurd scene.

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