Ch.107Chapter 107 – The Banquet (2)

# “Eden…?”

Shin Jaehyuk’s pupils dilated and trembled violently. Even after closing his eyes, opening them again, and rubbing them several times with the back of his hand, those two characters on the status window remained unchanged. Eden.

The name of his old homeland appearing from this incomprehensible technology called “system” felt utterly foreign. People fear what they cannot understand. For the first time, Shin Jaehyuk felt afraid of this “system,” humanity’s supposed gift.

‘How does the system know about Eden? No, what is this system in the first place? Awakened ones, skills, status windows! These are absurd rules that can’t even be explained by magic! Who gave people these nonsensical abilities?’

Various questions swirled in his mind, creating confusion. Shin Jaehyuk staggered, holding his head as a slight dizziness came over him.

Just then, someone roughly grabbed his shoulder. Shin Jaehyuk turned around, startled.

‘Who! Kwak Taewoo?’

“Hahaha! You loner. Getting so startled! You should make some friends!”

It wasn’t Kwak Taewoo. Surprisingly, it was Cha Eunkyung.

“…Eunkyung noona? What brings you here?”

“That’s what I wanted to ask! Was that person you were just talking to the President? Park Jugwan? Do you know each other?”

Tsk. Shin Jaehyuk clicked his tongue inwardly. He thought he was in a secluded spot, but she had spotted him anyway. Shin Jaehyuk made an excuse.

“Ah… you know my main job. Fixer. Hacking and stuff like that.”

“Oh! Are you skilled enough to get requests from Park Jugwan? That’s impressive… I didn’t know you were that good when I had you just investigating suspects. Like using a butcher’s knife to kill chickens. Hahah!”

Cha Eunkyung scratched the back of her head awkwardly. She seemed to remember how she had used Shin Jaehyuk as an informant during her time in the violent crimes unit. Knowing that continuing this conversation would only make things difficult for himself, Shin Jaehyuk changed the subject.

“So why are you here, noona? We keep running into each other in unexpected places lately. Like when I went for my awakening test and you were there for your A-rank promotion exam.”

“That’s what we call fate, kid. And why would I be here? Because I participated in the North-South War. I even received a medal from the President earlier.”

“Oh, really?”

Shin Jaehyuk expressed genuine admiration. Cha Eunkyung proudly emphasized the medal on her formal attire.

“See this? Proof that I fought on the front lines. You know Zhang Wuyi, right? The Chinese S-rank psychic. I, you know, shared the battlefield with Zhang Wuyi, ate meals together, smashed monster heads together! Did it all!”

“Wow, you’ve really made it big.”

Shin Jaehyuk chuckled at Cha Eunkyung’s jokes. Thanks to her lighthearted banter, the confusion and fear he had felt earlier completely disappeared.

“Then you must have leveled up a lot? What level are you now?”

“Me? Hehe. Don’t be shocked… A whopping 603!!”

“603? Insane!”

The Hunter Association’s ranking system isn’t determined by level alone. Level, mana capacity, achievements, experience, and various other qualities are evaluated to determine a hunter’s rank. However, people often judged hunters’ ranks by their levels for convenience.

And the number 600 is the threshold that separates A-rank from S-rank.

“You just got promoted to A-rank and already?!”

Shin Jaehyuk was genuinely surprised. The typical level range for A-rank is between 400 and 600… Assuming her level was around 400 when she was promoted, she had increased her level by 200, or 50%, in such a short time.

Of course, one cannot become S-rank by level alone. S-rank hunters are the strongest in the Hunter Association and symbolic figures, requiring extremely rigorous evaluations for promotion. That’s why many A-rank hunters have knocked on the door of S-rank, yet the S-rank roster remains unchanged.

Nevertheless, this number 600 was symbolic. The weakest S-rank, Skyscraper, has a level in the early 600s. When Shin Jaehyuk checked directly with his Insight ability in America, it was 605, so it probably hasn’t changed much now.

Therefore, exceeding level 600 means meeting the minimum requirement to join the ranks of humanity’s strongest.

“I got lucky. During my A-rank promotion exam, I fortunately got on broadcast, you know? After that, the higher-ups started pushing me as a promising talent. Not just for show—they actively supported me with high-grade equipment and good hunting grounds. That helped a lot.”

It meant that the practical experience and skills she had accumulated over time had blossomed during this war.

“That’s amazing. Are you really going to become S-rank?”

“Nah… that’s impossible. One of the S-rank promotion conditions is ‘being able to cause weather phenomena alone.’ How could a sword wielder do that…”

“The Sword Ghost did it, though. Creating updrafts with his sword dance to make it rain.”

“…That’s because the Sword Ghost is abnormal. The original seven, those S-ranks, are all people who can’t be measured by ordinary standards. Look at Skyscraper too. They say he was decked out in artifacts during his evaluation, but does it make sense to clear storm clouds by throwing a punch into the sky?”

“Ah… that incident. It was famous on the internet as the ‘Heavenly Horse Punch’ for a while, hehe.”

Shin Jaehyuk couldn’t help but laugh, remembering the various memes that circulated online. Cha Eunkyung seemed to know about them too, shaking her head with a smirk.

“Haha, anyway, these days I’m just trying to create sword energy. Once a swordsman masters sword energy, they’re evaluated as near S-rank. With this level, I should have enough mana to maintain sword energy, and my mana control is quite skilled, so it’s worth trying.”

“You’ll be able to create it soon, noona.”

“It’s not as easy as it sounds… I wish someone would teach me the technique.”

As the two were chatting pleasantly, someone interrupted their conversation. It was Kwak Taewoo, who had been invited to the event with Shin Jaehyuk.

“Jaehyuk! Have you seen the Sword Ghost any—? Hmm…”

‘Oh no, what terrible timing….’

It was bad timing. Shin Jaehyuk was flustered. Should these two meet? Although officially declared dead, Kwak Taewoo was still technically a criminal, and Cha Eunkyung was with the police.

Kwak Taewoo also seemed unprepared to see who Shin Jaehyuk was talking to, his pupils shaking like someone lost as he recognized her. His behavior looked suspicious to anyone watching.

“Ah…! You!”

Cha Eunkyung exclaimed upon seeing the intruder.

‘Could she possibly remember the Chopstick Killer? This is the worst situation…!’

Shin Jaehyuk broke into a cold sweat, focusing intently on what might come out next.

“You’re Jaehyuk’s friend! Wow, I can’t believe this loner actually has a friend! This noona is so touched…”

Cha Eunkyung pretended to cry with emotion while teasing Shin Jaehyuk. Shin Jaehyuk inwardly sighed with relief.

‘Of course she wouldn’t recognize him. Even if she could see through the perception-hindering artifact, there have been so many shocking incidents in recent years—how many people would memorize the appearance of a supposedly dead murderer….’

“Well, I’ll be going now. Enjoy your time with your friend.”

“W-wait…!”

Kwak Taewoo unconsciously reached out toward the departing Cha Eunkyung. But he couldn’t bring himself to stop her and let his hand fall limply. To her, he was just a stranger, a mere criminal….

Following her retreating figure with his eyes until she disappeared through the door, Kwak Taewoo asked somewhat dejectedly:

“…What did she talk about?”

Shin Jaehyuk told him. That she had already reached level 600 and was currently practicing to manifest sword energy.

Kwak Taewoo’s expression was complicated. Shin Jaehyuk subtly activated his Insight ability.

‘Level 588. Wasn’t Kwak Taewoo originally higher? She’s surpassed him now.’

Kwak Taewoo’s feelings were complex. Cha Eunkyung’s growth was significantly faster than in the first timeline. Kwak Taewoo tried to guess the reason.

‘The only thing different from the first timeline is my existence…. Does that mean I was hindering her growth?’

In truth, Park Jugwan’s full support and her enriched experience had contributed to her explosive growth, unlike in the first timeline, but Kwak Taewoo’s mind couldn’t reach this truth.

From Kwak Taewoo’s perspective, his absence from her side—unlike in the first timeline—seemed to be what accelerated her growth.

‘…I’m glad she’s stronger than in the original history. But what becomes of my efforts?’

Was his life in the first timeline meaningless? Kwak Taewoo felt self-loathing for not being able to purely rejoice in her growth.

Shin Jaehyuk, understanding the regressor’s emotions, offered words of comfort.

“You can get stronger too. Isn’t that why you came here? To learn from the Sword Ghost.”

“…Right. Thanks for reminding me. I should go find him.”

‘Simple-minded guy….’

Encouraged by Shin Jaehyuk’s comfort, Kwak Taewoo set off to find the Sword Ghost.

***

The reception was held at the Korean branch of the First Sword Guild. For various political reasons—to honor the Sword Ghost as the greatest contributor to the gate clearing operation and to establish closer cooperative relationships—the venue had been decided.

The Sword Ghost was in a gymnasium far from the event hall. He wasn’t the type to enjoy being in the spotlight. He intended to hide from reporters and cameras, secluding himself in the gym to practice swordsmanship.

That’s when Kwak Taewoo entered the gymnasium. The Sword Ghost saw through the perception hindrance and recognized him.

“Oh! Kwak Taeho! You’re here too? Yes, you must have come to hone your sword skills as well. Excellent mindset.”

The Sword Ghost welcomed Kwak Taewoo’s appearance. Not only was he passionate about swordsmanship, but he also held great goodwill toward this young man who had helped him in a moment of crisis. After the battle with Kyle Leonhardt, he had even promised to grant one request if Kwak Taewoo came to find him later.

Remembering that promise, Kwak Taewoo asked straightforwardly:

“Please teach me swordsmanship.”

“Ho, direct to the point of rudeness. But I can feel your enthusiasm, so I’m not offended at all!”

Despite the sudden request, the Sword Ghost burst into hearty laughter and leaped onto the sparring ground. With energetic movements that made his snow-white beard and clothes flutter, he picked up a real sword.

“Compared to saving my life, such a request is nothing… As it happens, this old man has been itching to move after being immobile for three days. Perfect timing. Come up!”

“…Does the First Sword Guild spar with real swords?”

“Are you doubting my skills? No matter how old I am, I can handle someone like you easily, so come in without worry.”

The Sword Ghost provoked Kwak Taewoo with a smirk. True to his simple nature, Kwak Taewoo entered the sparring ground with veins bulging on his forehead.

“…I won’t be responsible if you get hurt.”

“Is that so? Well, you won’t get hurt, so don’t worry.”

***

The sparring ended. As the Sword Ghost had declared, Kwak Taewoo wasn’t hurt. But his pride was wounded.

‘Damn… I didn’t know the gap was this big.’

For an hour, he had been completely toyed with by the Sword Ghost. There was an absolute wall between them that couldn’t be overcome by differences in level or artifacts alone. Kwak Taewoo had floundered, unable to cross that wall.

Kwak Taewoo recalled what Kyle Leonhardt had shouted during their battle a few days ago. Kyle had said the Sword Ghost’s talent was insignificant, expressing amazement that the Sword Ghost had reached mastery with such meager talent. Kwak Taewoo was even more shocked. If that was considered insignificant talent, what did that make him?

‘Regression or not…. Is the difference in talent something that can never be overcome with effort?’

The Sword Ghost, without a single scratch, helped Kwak Taewoo to his feet.

“You’re not bad.”

“…Unless I’ve suffered a head injury, I believe I just got beaten up for an hour straight.”

Hearing the grumpy response, the Sword Ghost smiled as if finding it cute.

“Haha, that may be true for now. But you’ll get stronger with each fight. In my view, you’re a late bloomer. And you’re the type who learns in actual combat, through fighting. Like me.”

It was praise from someone known as a sword master, but Kwak Taewoo couldn’t accept it readily. He had been disappointed by his own talent too many times to be swayed by compliments.

“What good does that do? I don’t have outstanding talent like you, Sword Ghost.”

“Me? Kuhaha!”

The Sword Ghost burst out laughing as if he’d heard a funny joke.

“Haha! My talent isn’t particularly remarkable. Real geniuses would notice that.”

“…Let’s say that’s true. Then how did you become so strong?”

“Well… I ‘worked hard.’ Hundreds, thousands of times, to the point of death.”

Become stronger through hard work. It was a fundamental principle. Not what Kwak Taewoo wanted to hear. He had made every effort to become stronger in both the first and second timelines. Yet he was still just an A-rank who hadn’t even reached the threshold of S-rank.

“Hard work, I’ve done plenty of that too. I swung my sword every day, cutting back on sleep, giving up a normal life to continue training. Yet why am I still—”

“Tut-tut, for you, that’s not hard work.”

Kwak Taewoo froze. The Sword Ghost raised a finger and poked Kwak Taewoo’s chest.

“You’re like me. In how you become stronger.”

“…”

“What you need isn’t such complacent training. Practicing sword strokes in front of a mirror or striking dummies won’t get you anywhere. Of course not.”

The Sword Ghost smiled grimly.

“What you need isn’t the fight of a greenhouse flower. You’re a beast. A beast that grows by feeding on blood. You can only grow in battles that separate life from death.”

The Sword Ghost’s gaze at Kwak Taewoo was that of someone looking at one of his own kind. He sensed a kindred spirit in Kwak Taewoo.

“You have the talent of Asura.”

Telling him he was a bloodthirsty murderer, a battle demon destined to make fighting his lifelong occupation—the Sword Ghost’s face gleamed with madness. Understanding instinctively this thirst for blood and longing for battle, Kwak Taewoo recalled Takahashi’s nickname: Battle Maniac.

“On what basis…”

“Basis? You should know better. Haven’t you improved more in the past few days than at any time since your awakening?”

Kwak Taewoo couldn’t deny it. During the recent sparring, he had realized his swordsmanship had noticeably improved. He had thought it was just because he had witnessed a battle between two genius swordsmen.

When Kwak Taewoo didn’t refute, the Sword Ghost smiled victoriously. It was a smile full of conviction. He proposed:

“Become my disciple. I’ll show you the path of Asura. I’ll gift you an eternal battlefield. Like Odin did for his warriors in old myths. The First Sword Guild will be your Valhalla.”

Kwak Taewoo remained silent. The Sword Ghost interpreted his silence as hesitation and offered even better terms.

“Not satisfied with being an ordinary disciple? Then I’ll name you my chief disciple. If you want, I’ll even give you the position of vice guild master.”

It was an extraordinary offer. One that any swordsman would drool over. Kwak Taewoo remained silent, deep in thought.

“…I’ve decided.”

The Sword Ghost naturally assumed Kwak Taewoo would accept his offer. To reject this proposal? Only the biggest fool in the world would do that….

Like such a fool, Kwak Taewoo’s answer was a rejection.

“I’m sorry.”

“Why!”

The Sword Ghost looked blindsided. He clearly hadn’t expected Kwak Taewoo to reject his offer.

“…I need to save the world.”

“For such a trivial reason?”

His tone suggested he couldn’t understand.

“If you follow me, you could dance with the sword forever. Be eternally happy amidst blood and corpses! The salvation of the world might follow in the process. I won’t prevent that.”

The Sword Ghost tried to persuade him by reminding him of his desire for battle. But Kwak Taewoo heard no sweet whispers. He was only thinking of one woman’s face. The face of the woman he had accidentally met at the reception.

“…And I will save my friend. Something I failed at once. I will set everything right.”

The Sword Ghost made a strange expression, as if he had heard something he shouldn’t have. After carefully examining his expression to read his true feelings, the Sword Ghost let out a deep sigh. His profound disappointment was evident. He looked like he had aged ten years.

“…For such a reason. Perhaps I was mistaken. About seeing Asura in you. Asura would never be bound by mere recognition or sense of duty…”

The Sword Ghost tried to persuade him one last time but gave up seeing Kwak Taewoo’s resolute attitude. He couldn’t hide his regret and clicked his tongue repeatedly.

“I wanted to help you since you helped me. But it would be improper to insist when you refuse. However, contact me anytime if you change your mind.”

“…Then may I make one request instead?”

“…What is it?”

Despite just rejecting his offer, he was brazenly making a request. The Sword Ghost was annoyed but couldn’t suppress his rising curiosity.

“About a disciple. May I recommend someone else in my place?”

“Who? Don’t tell me it’s that friend you mentioned?”

The Sword Ghost asked incredulously, having intuitively guessed who he meant. Kwak Taewoo nodded in affirmation. The Sword Ghost, his pride wounded, snapped:

“Do you think I make such offers to just anyone? I offered it to you because I saw potential. I don’t even accept guild members as disciples.”

“Then you’ll accept her. Because she’s not ‘just anyone.’ You’ll see when you meet her.”

Kwak Taewoo searched for Cha Eunkyung’s combat videos on YouTube—promotional material created by the police. He played one, and the Sword Ghost reluctantly looked at the screen, with an attitude of “let’s just humor him.”

Throughout the video, the Sword Ghost kept expressing admiration.

“Hooh… Hmm. Excellent.”

Listening to the Sword Ghost’s exclamations, Kwak Taewoo felt as if he himself was being praised. Feeling good, he boasted:

“What do you think? Isn’t she talented enough?”

“Hmm… Cha Eunkyung. She certainly deserves your recommendation. Teaching her would be rewarding.”

Though slightly wounded in pride, the Sword Ghost honestly acknowledged it, unable to lie.

“I must admit it. I quite like her. No, she’s a coveted talent. She would become an excellent swordsman even without a master.”

The Sword Ghost reluctantly accepted Kwak Taewoo’s request.

“Very well. I’ll contact her. But whether she takes this opportunity is entirely her choice—if she refuses, there’s nothing I can do.”

***

“…For those reasons, I had no choice but to decline that opportunity. And don’t worry about my identity being revealed. I asked the Sword Ghost not to tell her that I requested it. People who don’t know the inside story will simply think the Sword Ghost is trying to scout a promising Korean talent he’s had his eye on.”

As they left the venue, Kwak Taewoo told Shin Jaehyuk about his conversation with the Sword Ghost. He didn’t add that when he asked for secrecy, the Sword Ghost had looked at him with contempt, like an elementary school student with an unrequited crush.

“Hmm…”

While Kwak Taewoo thought he had handled things very cleverly and wanted to boast, Shin Jaehyuk wore a strange expression.

“Couldn’t you have just asked him to take both of you as disciples? Or said you’d become his disciple but needed autonomy guaranteed? That would have solved the problem.”

“Ah.”

‘Idiot….’

Shin Jaehyuk looked at Kwak Taewoo with the same expression the Sword Ghost must have worn.