Chapter 324: Practical Training. (4)

It was time for morning training to end.

On one side of the hallway leading to each group, the academy students are gathered.

Amidst the murmuring sounds filling the air.

Everyone’s heads are tilted upwards.

That was the reason their gazes were directed to the inscription written on the giant wooden board located there.

What was written in lines on the wooden board were the names of each academy student.

The reason why names were written in lines like this was none other than the fact that…

two months had passed since they enrolled.

Accordingly, how each academy student had spent their time.

A type of report card was there, informing whether they had done well in the education or training provided by the Dragon God Academy.

-Chu-hyung, did you see it well?

-I’m screwed… It’s faster to find them from the bottom than from the top. My father’s going to kill me.

-Mine’s similar… I think I might get kicked out of the family for a while when I go back.

The intersection of joy and sorrow is there.

There were faces stained with frustration and despair, and those who had settled in the upper ranks, filled with relief.

Although it was something they would have to check a few more times in the future, the feeling would be novel, as it was their first time experiencing it.

As they were disciples who had never ventured out into the Central Plains, especially those who were family members of noble houses rather than belonging to sects, the ranking actually assigned by someone would be their first time seeing it. Perhaps it would serve as a standard for realizing reality.

Although everyone selected was exceptionally talented, geniuses always exist among them.

Thump.

The murmuring becomes quiet with a single set of footsteps.

-Hey, hey!

The academy students who had been looking up at the wooden board instantly shifted their gazes. Their gazes were directed towards the person walking this way.

Thump.

As the footsteps drew closer to their destination, the clustered individuals moved aside on their own to make way.

“Thank you.”

The youth who recognized him offered his thanks with a smile.

“…The Divine!”

The one carving a path through the crowd was a famous figure within the Dragon God Academy.

Shinseong Jang Seonyeon. It was him, after all. The only son of the current Alliance Leader, who was said to possess a kind disposition as well, with handsome looks and outstanding talent.

At the point where merely two months had passed.

Most of the sword-training disciples staying by his side was like a kind of mark. Most said it was because they were captivated by his disposition and talent.

From within the crowd, a disciple who appeared to be a sword trainee cautiously spoke to The Divine.

“C-congratulations. Young Master Jang.”

To the trembling congratulations offered, Jang Seonyeon’s gaze turned. The one whose eyes met his simultaneously flinched in surprise. Jang Seonyeon smiled brightly and offered a greeting.

“Thank you.”

At that sight, others let out exclamations of admiration. Thus, the reason others offered congratulations to Jang Seonyeon…

Two (II).

Jang Seonyeon.

His name was written on the inscription located at the highest position. The meaning was simple: Among the hundreds of academy students, he was second. It was a considerably high position. In both the practical and theoretical sections, he had apparently earned considerable scores. No one questioned this. The general consensus was that The Divine could achieve such a feat. That much meant his reputation was good.

That this batch was particularly teeming with monsters was known not only to the academy students, but to everyone in the Central Plains. The scions of the Four Great Families, and those born into the prestigious families, who were ranked just below them. The disciples of the Nine Great Sects, and the rising stars known as the Six Dragons and Three Peaks, in a place swarming with them. Being second from the top was an achievement worthy of congratulations.

Grinding.

Amidst the congratulations coming from all directions, Jang Seonyeon had to grind his teeth alone. The irritation rising from within, he forced himself to swallow.

‘…I feel like I’m going to puke.’

The loudly buzzing words of the academy students were noise. Annoyance and the situation combined made his stomach churn.

‘I wish they would all shut up.’

He harbored such thoughts, but he didn’t let them show on his lips or face. After all the effort he had put into building this up, he couldn’t possibly ruin it just for something like this.

Jang Seonyeon, leaving the noise behind, slowly began reading the inscriptions from the bottom up. Those ranked lower down were mostly unknown names. Of course, people who would be in those positions, their level was apparent from the start, so they didn’t even bother remembering them.

‘…Jamryong and Geomryong have low rankings.’

Yi Ryong and Il Bong were written at lower ranks than expected. I heard that Jamryong mostly slept or didn’t participate during training or education, and Geomryong was quite weak in the theoretical section, that’s what they said. Because of that, their rankings turned out that way. They didn’t seem to place much importance on rankings or the Dragon God Academy itself. Thinking of that, Jang Seonyeon clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘How carefree.’

They were geniuses without ambition, after all. Or should I say, it was fortunate? They seemed to live life so carefree, should I say I didn’t like it? It was an indescribable feeling.

‘It’s better this way.’

That was the conclusion he reached. Yes, it was better this way. If they had decided to become rivals, it would have become somewhat troublesome.

Jang Seonyeon, wearing a mask resembling a smile, continued to roll his eyes.

‘Poison Phoenix is… as expected.’

Poison Phoenix, who was among the weakest, just as Jang Seonyeon predicted, had a poor ranking. Recently, I heard he was involved in something with the young lady of the Peng family, but I don’t retain it in my brain. Poison Phoenix was too weak a martial artist to remain in Jang Seonyeon’s mind. Therefore, he didn’t bother paying attention.

‘Snow Phoenix is…’

Snow Phoenix, whose martial prowess was similar to Poison Phoenix’s, surprisingly had a higher ranking than expected. It must have been because he excelled in the theoretical section. At least in that area, his level was almost the highest among all academy students.

‘Impressive.’

In the first place, I knew Snow Phoenix’s talents lay elsewhere rather than in martial prowess, but I didn’t realize they were this outstanding. Of course, even so, he wasn’t among those who took the very top ranks.

As he reached the end, it was filled with familiar names. Among them…

‘Geommwihui is unexpected.’

Namgung Bi-ah’s name was there.

‘…Gulp.’

Jang Seonyeon, upon confirming that, had to suppress his anger inwardly. It was because the memory of facing her during the entrance exam was still vividly remaining. The memory of being defeated is still unpleasant. Her ability to effortlessly apply the qi that sent shivers down his spine with her fingertips truly brought to mind an overwhelming presence.

‘I didn’t know she was good at theory too.’

Although her theoretical scores were lower than Snow Phoenix’s or his own, her martial prowess seemed to have helped her score. I don’t like it. That he was defeated by someone who had previously lost to him, and the words she spat at him… I didn’t like it.

Shaking his head, he erased the thoughts.

‘…And her?’

He raised his eyes to find the name he desired. By now, she was the one he wanted most. Since he already knew where she was, there was no need to search.

Three (III). Wi Seol-ah.

She was right below him.

‘She seems to have put in some effort.’

When I first saw her, she was close to being an idiot, with no knowledge whatsoever. That Wi Seol-ah had now filled in the theoretical section without any deficiencies and was closely catching up.

‘As expected… is it because she’s of the Sword Saint’s bloodline?’

Her martial arts talent was monstrous. What she saw once, she didn’t forget. Not to mention her appearance, Jang Seonyeon thought even more.

‘That’s why I must have her.’

Meaning, he had no intention of letting Wi Seol-ah go. He recalled the promise with her. If she managed to secure the top position in the end, she would belong to him. Therefore, no matter how closely she caught up at the end, he had no intention of being caught up to. By any means necessary.

‘…The problem is.’

Grinding.

In a situation that seemed to be going well, Jang Seonyeon, recalling the final problem, immediately clenched his fist. This problem was exactly what was currently turning his insides upside down, and had been causing him to be consumed by useless thoughts for years.

Jang Seonyeon finally raised his eyes. He looked directly above where his name was written.

“…Hah.”

As soon as he saw the name written there, he had to forcefully suppress the emotions rising from within. Why was that guy written there? Just looking at it made him dizzy.

-This year’s top student is…

-Even so, The Divine…

-How about the practical exam…

‘Shut up.’

As if digging through his complicated feelings. The surrounding voices grew louder. He wanted to rip all of their mouths open. Wouldn’t it become quiet if he did that?

‘I can’t do that…’

However, he couldn’t. He couldn’t shed the image he had painstakingly built, and it was right to embellish and endure more for the future.

While constantly turning over such thoughts, Jang Seonyeon secretly adjusted the corners of his mouth.

“What’s all this racket?”

A piercingly cold voice cut through the murmuring.

Thump.

Unlike Jang Seonyeon’s neat footsteps, came footsteps that sounded annoyed with unsteady steps.

“…Hick!”

The academy student who saw this flinched and recoiled in surprise. It was quite a different reaction compared to when Jang Seonyeon appeared earlier. Seeing that, the person who had just appeared frowned.

“Why are they acting like that? Woo-cheol-ah. Is something happening today?”

“I heard it’s a day for some kind of announcement. Isn’t that why everyone’s gathered?”

“Announcement?”

Behind the youth with the small stature, a man with a massive build offered an explanation.

Pae Woo-cheol.

Jang Seonyeon had also noted him as a disciple to keep in mind. Following him, a handsome youth in their group, chuckling, brought up another topic.

“Looks like they’ve even set up rankings.”

He was Jamryong. Even when Jang Seonyeon tried to approach him, Jamryong, who had refused with an annoyed expression as if uninterested, stood with a completely different expression.

“They really do everything, don’t they? Can’t they just do things moderately?”

The guy who heard Jamryong’s words retorted dismissively, as if finding it absurd, and then walked away.

As the youth with the fierce impression approached, the academy students gathered around instantly made way.

Gulp.

From somewhere, even the sound of dry swallowing could be heard.

‘…That guy.’

Jang Seonyeon, watching that, also had to frown. From a distance, the youth seemed to have spotted Jang Seonyeon as well. He grinned. That smile was quite terrifying, setting that aside, Jang Seonyeon knew that it was clearly a smirk. He had to grind his teeth once more.

“Long time no see?”

“…Nice to meet you. Young Master Gu.”

Jang Seonyeon returned the greeting with a face that showed no pleasure, but it was equally agonizing for him.

“Your expression sours the moment I see it.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, just keep not knowing.”

At his sarcastic remarks, he was grinding his teeth. Conversations with that guy, in particular, felt like they drained his soul. Because of the malice that so clearly pierced him, it might be so.

“Oh, Hyung-nim.”

“What.”

“You’re first place.”

“Oh, really?”

The greatest wall blocking his path, it might be so.

One (I). Gu Yangcheon.

Among all academy students, he was the one seated at the highest rank. He was the top scorer in the entrance exam, and even in a negative sense, within the current Dragon God Academy, he was the most famous figure, the person Jang Seonyeon most wanted to remove.

‘…Jinryong.’

‘…Why?’

That his martial prowess was outstanding he had known for a long time. After being so thoroughly defeated at the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, how could he not know?

That guy is a monster.

He had to admit it. Jinryong is a monster. He could admit that, but…

‘He’s outstanding in theory too?’

It’s unbelievable. At least, I thought he wouldn’t bother putting effort into something like this. Gu Yangcheon’s theoretical score was even higher than Snow Phoenix’s.

‘…Does that even make sense?’

How could that be? Could it be that the Academy Head or instructors were involved in some back deal…?

“Hey.”

“…”

“You look quite aggrieved?”

At Gu Yangcheon’s words, Jang Seonyeon barely regained his senses and turned his expression. Seeing that, Gu Yangcheon chuckled.

“Try a little harder next time. Though I don’t know if there will be a next time.”

“…Young Master Gu.”

“It’s all because you don’t eat enough. Make sure you eat well.”

With his teasing tone, he continued to provoke him. Meanwhile, he seemed completely uninterested in rankings. Jang Seonyeon didn’t like that.

‘Are you saying it’s natural?’

For him to reach that high position. Does it mean it’s natural? Jang Seonyeon didn’t like that. While he went to great lengths to maintain his position and chase after it, that guy showed his true nature and acted as he pleased. Yet, he didn’t care about others’ gazes.

‘…’

At the faint emotion rising within him, he clenched his fist. It was because a thought of envy flashed through him. That he, The Divine, would envy that guy… It couldn’t be.

‘I must remove him.’

He really must get rid of him. Before it’s too late, blocking his path, he must remove him definitively before the wall grows larger and larger.

Jang Seonyeon’s eyes turned towards one of Gu Yangcheon’s companions. Amidst all the gazes directed at them, the person alone, seemingly terrified, hiding behind Pae Woo-cheol’s large frame.

‘Cheol Ji-seon.’

For this matter, he was the most crucial key, and a person who would be useful on the path he would take in the future. Thinking of that, Jang Seonyeon could endure the current humiliation. Gu Yangcheon’s smirk, until it turns into a scream, was not far off.

“Congratulations. Young Master Gu.”

Knowing that, Jang Seonyeon could now wear a smile.

“As expected, you’re amazing.”

At Jang Seonyeon’s congratulations, Gu Yangcheon put on a disgusted expression.

“Seriously, you disgusting bastard… If it were me, I’d be too angry to smile. But you can smile.”

“Haha, why would I be angry on such a celebratory occasion?”

“If we stay any longer, I’ll really lose my appetite. Let’s go.”

Gu Yangcheon, after saying that, as if losing interest, immediately turned his back. Then, his companions followed him without hesitation. Not just Gu Yangcheon, but everyone there truly seemed to have no interest at all.

Jang Seonyeon had to keep working hard. If he let his guard down even a little, it felt like killing intent would burst out.

Watching Gu Yangcheon’s back, he forced a smile. And he recalled.

‘Wait.’

I will surely make you kneel.

---

Walking towards the dining hall, I scratched my back vigorously.

‘It’s so itchy I could die.’

The subtle killing intent poking at me was quite bothersome. My heightened senses aren’t just good, it seems. Having to feel even that pathetic killing intent…

‘Hah.’

Just seeing Jang Seonyeon’s face was torture, and facing the aura that bastard emitted was even more annoying.

‘If we had stayed longer, I really would have lost my appetite.’

Nothing decreased my appetite as much as looking at that guy’s face.

While walking diligently, Pae Woo-cheol said to me.

“Hyung-nim, you’re amazing too…! First place!”

“That’s the third time already.”

My name is listed, but I don’t know why he’s more excited.

“Where were you?”

At my question, Pae Woo-cheol made a thoughtful expression.

“…I think I was somewhere in the middle. I don’t know. I didn’t pay attention.”

“You should have memorized yours, not mine, you idiot…”

Whenever it came to theoretical education, I saw him struggling as if he were dying. I didn’t expect him to have received a high score. As expected, it seemed he was in the middle ranks. It seemed so.

‘And yet, first place.’

Honestly, it was something I expected, so I wasn’t particularly moved. What I was a little worried about was how I treated the instructors like trash. Thinking about that, I thought they might deduct points. Fortunately, the instructors didn’t seem to be so narrow-minded.

‘Or perhaps, this is the score after they deducted points.’

I said that, but… My theoretical knowledge of demonic beasts is overwhelming. Under the Demon Lord, how many demonic beasts I saw, and how many demon stones I ate for bets… This is what it takes.

“Stop the flattery. Let’s go eat, I’m hungry.”

“They say it’s meat today.”

“Why do you like that? You’re a cultivator, you know?”

“What’s a cultivator? Is it something you eat?”

“…Forget it. Just eat it all yourself.”

I’d gotten somewhat used to Jamryong talking nonsense, just as… The real Jamryong, even though his group was different, kept showing up. He probably intended to keep hanging around together.

‘And.’

Jamryong aside, I quietly followed, keeping my mouth shut, and glanced at Cheol Ji-seon, who was trailing behind.

-Are you going to keep acting like that?

“…”!

I spoke through telepathy. Cheol Ji-seon’s shoulders flinched. Ever since earlier, his expression had been visibly sour, and it was too obvious.

-I told you it was fine.

I know what he’s worrying about. That’s why I had to give him a strong push.

-Don’t worry about it. Just do as that Jang guy tells you.

“Th-!”

“Huh?”

Cheol Ji-seon, who let out a sound without realizing it, soon closed his mouth.

“Sorry… I bit my tongue.”

“Are you okay?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Seeing that, I sighed. If he can’t even do it when told, what am I supposed to do?

-Hey friend, do you know…?

At my question, Cheol Ji-seon shook his head. Meaning he didn’t know.

-If you don’t do this anyway, I’ll kill you.

“…”!

-You said you wanted to live.

With words clearly spoken containing killing intent, Cheol Ji-seon’s face turned pale. I didn’t want to go this far, but if he stayed like that, I would be in trouble.

-So. Let’s do well, okay?

At my words spoken with a smile, Cheol Ji-seon nodded repeatedly. Looking at Jang Seonyeon’s expression, fortunately, it seemed he wouldn’t refuse or anything, and what’s important is how well Cheol Ji-seon performs. Seeing Jang Seonyeon’s expression from earlier and the killing intent poking at me, I could feel it. That it wasn’t long now.

Just in case, I had made other preparations. Now, all I have to do is wait for the time to come. Since they are all moving well on their own. What I need to hope for is that there are no unforeseen accidents. That’s all I needed to wish for.

And so.

A few days passed.

“We begin the practical training. The time that guy and I had wished for has arrived.”