28. The Previous Generation and the Divine Sword

* * *

New Gangnam District Penthouse

The rebuilt penthouse hosted Korea’s top guild masters watching Eun-ha’s battle footage. Not as fans – but to assess the student who single-handedly killed Jae-su.

“An S-class villain crushed that easily?”
“Let’s be honest – Jae-su was only A-rank without the Flame Spear.”

The blue-haired woman crossing her legs was Cha Ji-eun – “Ice Empress” of the Imperial Guild. Years ago, she’d stunned the world by erecting an ice wall between Incheon and Seoul.

“A student defeating an A-rank hunter still seems bullshit.”

Baek Cheong-gang, who’d wanted to recruit Eun-ha, glared at Ji-eun’s provocation. With Korea’s hunter hierarchy shaken by Jae-su’s betrayal, Eun-ha’s raw martial prowess made her invaluable. Especially to his White Tiger Guild.

“Bullshit? How crude. Though I suppose vulgarity suits you, Baek.”
“Wanna test that theory?”
“Your punches couldn’t break my icicles.”

As they stood, Instructor Kim Ji-hye smashed her baton on the table.

“Enough! Or I’ll lose my temper!”
“An A-rank threatening us?”
“What?!”

The meeting organizer now regretted inviting rival guild leaders. Only the blonde tinkering with magic gear seemed amused.

“Seriously, why are we here? Just to gawk at Jin-seok’s sister?”
“Cut the act. You all want to recruit her. Even you, ‘Ice Empress,’ pretending disinterest to lower competition.”
“…Cough.”

She wasn’t wrong. Every female guild master present had been Jin-seok’s lover, making Eun-ha doubly desirable – for both her power and bloodline.

“So you were scheming too, fox?”
“The Association already granted her the title ‘Sword Dancer of White Flame.’ We must move fast.”
“But scouting students is illegal.”

Rules prohibited guild recruitment before graduation. Unless…

“Courting favor isn’t against the rules.”
“God, you’re still hung up on Jin-seok? Spinsters, the lot of you.”
“Unlike you, we want her for our guild’s needs.”

Noah of Flowers, leader of the Lily Guild, licked her lips suggestively. Rumors said Eun-ha preferred women – perfect for her guild.

“That elemental control was impressive.”
“I need to consider this carefully.”
“As her instructor, I warn you – anyone asking for introductions gets the baton.”
“An A-rank threatening us again?”

Ji-hye raised her weapon as the blonde mechanic sneered.

“Pfft. Baton-dependent has-been. Weren’t you drinking when the academy was attacked?”
“!!”

What began as recruitment advice escalated until flames erupted from the penthouse.

* * *

Back at the academy, I endured endless Association interrogations about Jae-su’s death. Only the golems and a transformed Si-woo remained. The once-male hunter now bound his developing chest tightly.

*Slurp* “Impressive development.”

I never expected to find Si-woo attractive. His – no, her – gray hair and delicate features now held undeniable appeal. As I reached out, the Divine Sword suddenly vibrated violently.

[Azhi Dahāka!]
“Oh? Now I hear the useless sword too.”
[I saw everything! You’re Eun-ha?!]
“Problem? You barely manifest unless Si-woo begs.”

The sword spirit – all bark no bite – kept ranting:

[Planning another cataclysm? Remember your crimes!]
“Why would I? That was the old me.”

Though tedious, I needed its cooperation. And admittedly…the sword’s avatar was stunning. My inherited dragon memories made me particularly…appreciative.

“Living as human interests me now. I’ll help eliminate the Sins threatening this world.”
[How?]
“I’m already an anomaly that prevented doom. Trust me or not, you’re stuck in that blade.”

I stuck out my tongue. The sword fumed:

[I can manifest with Si-woo’s permission!]

More interesting was Si-woo’s condition. “Why the gender change?”
[My influence.]

The truth emerged: The lesbian sword spirit had gotten…excited watching me with other women. Though initially promising to transform Si-woo post-finale, their synchronization accelerated the change. Now Si-woo’s body gradually mirrored the sword’s silver-haired goddess form.

“Kukukuku…”
[Stop laughing! You becoming human might make the Sins stronger!]

I leaned closer. “Admit it – the idea excites you. The divine sword spirit submitting to the calamity dragon? Becoming my plaything?”
[N-no!]
“Liar. I know you’re an M. Fully feminize Si-woo to my tastes, and I’ll play with you however you want.”
*Gulp*

Little did I know – Si-woo would complete the transformation within a week.