episode_0024

Han Seyoung and Kang Jinhyuk.

A prosecutor and a spearman.

Female and male.

Han Seyoung ranks 2nd, Kang Jinhyuk ranks 7th.

Han Seyoung’s unique skill: Sword Master.

Kang Jinhyuk’s unique ability: Inner Qi, sharing mana and stats.

While accumulating natural mana to strengthen oneself is common,

Kang Jinhyuk refines and optimizes this mana within his body even further.

For example, using 1 mana grants Kang Jinhyuk a 1.2x power boost.

Two individuals with no resemblance.

It’s true that Han Seyoung is considered the strongest among the characters.

However, one cannot think that Kang Jinhyuk is weaker than Han Seyoung.

Players commented upon seeing Kang Jinhyuk:

“A male version of the aggressive Han Seyoung.”

Even when comparing strength between Han Seyoung and Kang Jinhyuk, the latter never falls behind.

Clang!!

“Hey!! Attack me properly!!!”

Clang! Clang!

“Then let’s get closer!”

Clang! Thud! Clang!

As the duel begins, minutes pass by.

I still haven’t been able to approach Kang Jinhyuk.

Despite his appearance suggesting reckless charging due to his personality,

Kang Jinhyuk assesses situations more shrewdly than anyone else.

Disrupting mobility with thrusts, he widens the gap with his spear.

If you block his swing, he swiftly changes directions.

Dodging, he quickly readjusts to thrust again.

If you dodge and approach, he aims for vital points with his spear.

Impeccable fundamentals.

Fluid movements without any awkwardness, seamlessly transitioning from light to heavy attacks.

Kang Jinhyuk is definitely not a weak opponent.

In the current timeline, he can be considered on par with the full-powered Han Seyoung.

Han Seyoung, known for talent and effort combined, faces Kang Jinhyuk, whose skill is solely a product of hard work.

Despite his fierce demeanor and actions that seem overflowing with confidence,

In private moments unseen by others, he trains with a serious expression.

An individual who achieved his current strength through sheer effort.

Clang!

“It’s getting boring, is it over already? Hankyeol!!!”

Clang!!

“No, it’s just beginning!”

Thud! Clang!

Deflecting Kang Jinhyuk’s relentless spear strikes without a moment to catch his breath, he steps out of the spear’s range to assume a stance.

Horizontally with the sword, twisting the waist to the maximum.

Spreading the lower body wider than the shoulders to absorb the recoil.

“Here I go.”

Unsheathed—

“I’ve been waiting for this!!”

[Dragon’s Roar]

Swish! The attack clashes with Kang Jinhyuk as he charges forward.

“Hah!”

With a battle cry, Kang Jinhyuk draws a large circle with his spear.

[Whirlwind Strike]

Crash! Two techniques collide and nullify each other.

As if it were only natural, Kang Jinhyuk immediately engages once more.

Clang!!

“I’m the victor, but…”

“You’re the one who…!!”

The threatening aspect of the spear lies in its advantage at a distance.

Aware of this, Kang Jinhyuk denies me any chance to close in.

Should I try something?

“…Gah?!”

Foregoing defense, I read the trajectory of the spear and evade.

Anticipating the next move.

Remembering the best move and executing it.

Tsk. Briefly licking my lips, the tip of the spear remains aimed at me as I step back.

I can’t afford to miss this.

Here. Here I am.

Target me. Stab me.

I’m always ready to dodge.

Focusing solely on evasion aligns my thoughts with Kang Jinhyuk’s until I create more opportunities than him.

That’s the turning point.

Whoosh. Thud. Swoosh.

Twisting my head before the spear swiftly thrusts back to its initial position.

Each strike is sharp, but none hit. I evade them all.

Without pause, I keep moving. Kang Jinhyuk retreats, and I advance.

Thunk-

“I got you.”

Gradually retreating to the walls of the arena, Kang Jinhyuk found himself unable to retreat any further.

My sword surged towards Kang Jinhyuk.

·····

‘A monstrous fellow.’

As Kang Jinhyuk evaded all the thrusts aimed at him, he stared at Han Gyeol approaching him.

Initially, he lost interest upon seeing that Han Gyeol had received a B grade.

His aim was to fight against the strong.

Although he had lost interest, his curiosity was piqued after witnessing E Hwayoung defeat the scarecrow and approach Han Gyeol.

Why would someone with such power be with that guy?

Intrigued, Kang Jinhyuk intentionally approached both during the sparring session with the professor.

Proposing a joint attack against the professor.

Han Gyeol readily accepted, allowing him to closely observe their skills.

Even when E Hwayoung got involved in the battle, it was fine.

He would soon understand why E Hwayoung was by Han Gyeol’s side.

And my reaction shifted from anticipation to shock.

Handling Professor’s attacks that no one else could counter.

Furthermore, overwhelming all the students present.

Since that day, Kang Jinhyuk’s perception of Han Gyeol gradually changed.

Initially, he thought he was just a face.

But now, facing him directly, he understands.

This guy is a monster.

There is no hesitation in his movements as if he sees through all my attacks.

Yet, he doesn’t show any complacency.

And those eyes of his.

It’s not just talent; it’s effort like mine.

Eyes that desire strength more than anyone else.

His eyes are not satisfied with current strength but aim higher.

Thud-

‘Ah, darn it, behind me…!’

“I got you.”

Repeatedly trying to evade Han Gyeol’s approach, Kang Jinhyuk suddenly found himself cornered against a wall.

Seemingly aiming to end it, Han Gyeol swung his sword close.

I must endure some damage and retreat.

But Han Gyeol must know I am contemplating avoiding.

I thought he was strong, but I never expected to lose this easily.

Is it really going to end like this?

It can’t.

We made a promise.

I cannot forgive myself for striving so hard for something.

Losing like this is something I can never accept.

At least, at the very least, I must give it my all.

Whoever dares… End it!!!

Crash-!!

“Ugh!?”

Raising his head, Kang Jinhyuk’s head collided with Han Gyeol’s.

Clang. The sword wavered, only lightly grazing my body instead of cutting through completely.

Reaching out towards the staggering Han Gyeol.

A kick devoid of force, aimed solely to push him back.

Push!

Han Gyeol is pushed back, dragged to the ground.

“Ow… Are you a blockhead?”

Feeling the sore spot where he was hit, Han Gyeol furrowed his brow.

“Ha! You’re not a simpleton either.”

And-

To you. To you, the strong one.

I don’t want to lose. I want to win.

No dodging, no guarding.

Head-on.

Let’s settle this with all our might.

“I won’t retreat. I don’t want to lose. So! I will defeat you here, Han Gyeol!!!”

Gathering all my strength.

With no hint of a smile, focusing entirely on the enemy before me.

“Bring out the technique you used against the professor last time! I will also give it my all!!!!!”

An all-out strike.

Han Gyeol, don’t run away.

·····

Kang Jinhyuk’s demeanor shifted.

The carefree smile on his face quickly turned into a determined expression focused on defeating his opponent.

At this moment, it seemed less like a sparring match and more like a battle between Kang Jinhyuk and me.

Expecting to dodge, but suddenly a headbutt.

Due to this, Kang Jinhyuk’s school uniform top was gradually getting stained with blood.

Breathing disrupted, bodies drenched in sweat due to the continuous exchange of blows.

Did he feel something from our battle?

In Kang Jinhyuk’s eyes fixed on me, determination became even more evident.

Energy swirled around Kang Jinhyuk.

At the tip of the spear.

As Kang Jinhyuk poured his energy into the spear, an orange aura flowed out from the blade.

Trembling as if it would explode at any moment, I suppress the shaking window and suppress it again.

“Show me the power I have…,” he said.

“Sorry. It seems like I can’t use that skill. There’s a reason I can’t tell you.”

But I don’t want to use my abilities while fighting Kang Jin-hyuk.

With all my strength, with my current skills, I want to defeat Kang Jin-hyuk.

“So, excluding that, I will show you the power I have.”

I lower my body as much as possible, ready to rush forward at any moment.

“And…”

I recall what Kang Jin-hyuk said to me.

“I don’t want to lose, I want to win!! I feel the same way!!!!!”

[Dragon Hunt]

Kwaaang!!!

A sword imbued with a bright white light swung towards Kang Jin-hyuk.

Whoo- huff.

Kang Jin-hyuk, breathing steadily, inhales deeply and stimulates his whole body.

He releases the spear, ready to thrust forward at any time.

No matter what stands in his way.

He advances, piercing through everything in front of him.

That is Kang Jin-hyuk’s choice.

[One-point Thrust]

Kagagagagagak-

The sword and spear clash.

Mana and energy collide, bursting out around them.

A clash of unstoppable forces.

The stronger one soon emerges as the victor.

” “Aaargh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” ”

Clang-!!!!

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“…Are you okay?”

“My… strength, fading away.”

In the Colosseum arena.

Kang Jin-hyuk and I lay on the ground as if drained of all strength.

Both exhausted from exerting their full power.

There is no strength left in their bodies.

“…Ugh! Still satisfied?”

“…Yes, I am satisfied!”

I turned my head to look at a spot.

The broken swords and spears lying scattered on the ground.

Raising my head, I gazed at the sky.

A hologram appeared in the sky, revealing the winner.

{Han Gyeol. Victory}

Just before their weapons broke, Kang Jin-hyuk’s spear shattered first after my final blow, and my sword, having fulfilled its role, also shattered.

That’s how I claimed victory.

“…Kang Jin-hyuk.”

“Why are you calling me…?”

“You’re not planning to challenge me to a duel again later, are you?”

“… … .”

“Hey.”

That battle maniac, seriously.

Looks like he wants another duel with me.

“This time, Han Gyeol, you won. This time.”

With Kang Jin-hyuk still lying on the ground, he reached up towards the sky.

“Next time. I will definitely win.”

Clutching tightly while covering my name displayed on the hologram.

“Until then, make sure to keep your rank well.”

“… … .”

Ha.

Truly an unforgettable friend.

“Take back the 7th place. I’ll climb higher.”

“This guy is really something! Let’s go again!”

Kicking his legs to kick me while lying down.

“Hahaha!!”

Duel between Han Gyeol and Kang Jin-hyuk

Duel between 22nd and 7th place

Result:

Han Gyeol wins.