episode_0023

“Han Gyeol, is this the right way to do it?”

“Uh…uh… You’re doing well.”

Even after the swordsmanship contest had ended, he asked to see his own sword, brimming with energy.

While looking at Han Seyoung’s sword, some techniques came to mind, and when he explained them,

like a sponge absorbing water, he quickly made them his own.

“I’m starting to feel a bit burdened… I feel like I should do something for Han Gyeol.”

Seemingly unable to contain himself, he seemed to know what he had received, how valuable an experience it was.

“I really don’t mind. This conversation is over. Anything else to say?”

“Um…”

Trying to alleviate Han Seyoung’s burden, he asked if there was anything else to say.

After a moment of contemplation,

“Han Gyeol, how much do you know about the techniques you taught me? Up to what extent?”

He inquired about the techniques of Geomseong.

Hmm, the techniques of Geomseong…

“I know enough, but my body can’t handle it. It’s just mimicking at this point.”

“Indeed, even with a little effort, there was a sore feeling.”

It was indeed the techniques of Geomseong. Underestimating it could leave one’s body in ruins.

On the flip side, it probably means it’s not a level we can learn right now.

“So you taught me such a risky technique…?”

“No, no, of course I didn’t teach you to use it now…”

Han Seyoung looked at me in shock.

To others, it might seem like I did something wrong.

“…Wait, how did you use this technique?”

“Huh?”

“Um, was it because of that technique that you were healing during practical training before?”

“…Was it?”

As if something had dawned on him, he tells me.

Hmm… How did I use the techniques of Geomseong?

Just naturally?

From the moment I used body control, all I had to do was visualize my movements in my mind.

What I did was merely create a process to reach a conclusion.

…I can’t say that.

How should I put it?

“I guess hard work pays off.”

“Why bother saying that, I’m really unlucky.”

“You’re too much…”

Han Seyoung squints his eyes and complains about being unlucky.

It’s a bit poignant.

“It’s been a long time, let’s go home now.”

“Oh, is it already that time? You can go back with Hwayoung today. I have things to do!”

“Is that so? I’ll head back first then. Take care.”

“See you tomorrow!”

Han Seyoung left first, saying he had something to attend to. Seems quite busy.

Thinking so, I approached Hwayoung.

“Sorry for making you wait. Let’s go home now.”

“Nah, just watching Gyeol makes me happy.”

How can she only say such beautiful words?

Reaching out to touch her cheek, as I pull it gently, it stretches softly.

“Hwayoung, what do you think of Han Seyoung?”

Letting go of her hand that was pulling her cheek, I asked her what she thought of Han Seyoung.

“Huh? In what way?”

“He’s outstanding. Very much so.”

Does Hwayoung feel the same way from her perspective?

“To me, Gyeol is more amazing.”

“Really, Hwayoung, you’re more amazing.”

“Aww…”

I praise Hwayoung, and she continues to praise me.

Walking ahead, unaware that Hwayoung is gazing coldly at the academy.

Next morning during class.

“Today, we’ll finish the class early. And there’s one announcement to listen to.”

Ten minutes before lunchtime, Professor Pang Dayoon declared the end of the class.

The following announcement related to the story.

“In the afternoon, we will assess combat abilities through 1:1 duels among students. Along with the performance evaluation, there will also be a ranking competition, so it’s a win-win situation for you all.”

Cheers and small exclamations echoed from the students listening to the professor’s words.

“There exists one rule here that is both an advantage and a disadvantage.”

1:1 duels seem to be in order, but there seems to be more to say as they continue speaking.

“Duel system. The victor of a 1:1 duel can challenge another student or choose to stop.”

Duel system. The winning student continues the duels.

“If you win, there will be additional benefits in evaluation scores and rankings. Conversely, losing will be like pouring water into a broken jar of accumulated points.”

High risk, high return.

It’s like a rule for confident students to challenge their limits.

“Until the end of this semester, evaluations will continue through duels. So, go beyond your limits and prove yourself.”

With those words, they leave the classroom.

Set, Professor Baeng’s assistant and teaching assistant, continues the explanation.

“In addition to the professor’s explanation, higher-ranked students cannot challenge lower-ranked students without mutual consent. Higher-ranked students will receive bonus points based on their rank. Even if the top-ranked student doesn’t receive challenges from anyone, they will still get above-average scores, so don’t worry too much. I’ll post detailed information about evaluations on the bulletin board.”

Cheered on by us, Set and the assistant professor leave the classroom.

As Baeng and Set depart, the students start buzzing as if they were waiting.

– It’s an evaluation through duels, you were eager, and it paid off.

– Oh yeah, thanks for challenging me. Appreciate the points.

– Oh no, I didn’t practice.

– If I beat someone with a much higher rank than me, it would be a life-changing moment, right?

– Argh, if you just briefly pondered why someone is ranked higher than you, you’d understand the issue.

Most students show more positive reactions rather than worrying about the evaluations.

“When it comes to dueling…”

Doesn’t that refer to him?

Bang!!

“Hey!! Hanyul!! I challenge you to a duel!”

As soon as he says that, a voice calls me out while aggressively hitting the desk with his palm.

“Ugh, Kang Jinhyuk…”

“I’m 7th, so you have to agree to duel me, okay? What do you say?”

Um…

“Alright, I agree.”

“Great! No regrets, okay? See you later!”

Eager to duel me, Kang Jinhyuk’s laughter doesn’t stop.

“Afternoon comes, and I’ll become 7th? Thanks in advance.”

“Oh yeah! If you’re confident, feel free to challenge me anytime!”

Confident in his abilities, Kang Jinhyuk shouts boldly.

“Well then, see you later.”

As I rise from my seat with Hwayoung to head to the store, a familiar voice calls me again.

“Oh, Hanyul, wait a moment!”

Looking in the direction of the voice, Sin Serin stops me in my tracks.

“Why are you calling me?”

“I also want to challenge you to a duel! Will you accept?”

“Hmm… Fine.”

Sin Serin also challenges me to a duel.

Is my skill that intriguing to them?

Yujin, who was hanging onto Sin Serin’s back, also raises a hand.

“I challenge you too. To a duel.”

“Sure…”

Why are they challenging me?

Swoosh-

“Oh, are you all here?”

“You guys? Han Seyoung, did you come to pick a duel opponent?”

“Yes!”

The classroom door opens, and Han Seyoung, Lee Yuseong, and Jung Yuna enter.

Showing interest, Kang Jinhyuk asks the leading Han Seyoung.

Han Seyoung, showing affirmation to Kang Jinhyuk’s question, slowly walks towards our group.

Expectation mixed with anxiety fills the air as Han Seyoung approaches. However, Han Seyoung’s gaze isn’t on me.

“Hwayoung, I challenge you to a duel!”

Han Seyoung chooses Hwayoung as their opponent.

Ranked 1st and 2nd respectively, a fight between them sparks anticipation, but the students have heard and seen things.

While Han Seyoung is considered exceptional among the freshmen, Hwayoung seems to be even more remarkable.

As Hwayoung is about to respond to the challenge, “I also challenge you to a duel.”

Jeong Yuna also challenged Lee Hwayoung to a duel.

“Sure.”

Lee Hwayoung accepted their challenge.

Both are impressive.

Competitive spirit and improvement.

They do not fear defeat but rather charge forward.

“Since it seems like we’ve settled on our opponents for the duel, let’s meet after lunch.”

“Let’s eat together!”

“Let’s have lunch as friends!”

Although Lee Hwayoung intended to eat with Jeong Yuna, everyone gathered to eat together, so she nodded in agreement.

Though Lee Hwayoung pursed her lips slightly, she calmed down when reassured.

…Sorry!

Seeing Lee Yuseong staying silent among them, Kang Jinhyuk pulled him out while offering his support.

You’ve been through a lot too.

During lunchtime, all of them gathered in the auditorium.

The homeroom teachers, assistants, and healers were waiting for them.

Professor Paeng Dayoon stepped forward as the representative and addressed everyone.

“Is anyone missing? Then, we will proceed with the duel. By entering the gate ahead, you will be transported to one of the various arena maps. There, you can use the terrain or engage in direct combat to determine the winner. If you don’t have an opponent, we will assign one for you. Let’s begin.”

A warp gate installed in the auditorium.

Entering it reveals maps created with lifelike illusions.

Could this also be the work of the professor who created the previous illusion dungeon?

“Kang Jinhyuk.”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

I greeted Lee Hwayoung first and then moved forward.

“I challenge Han Gyeol to a duel.”

“Kang Jinhyuk is ranked 7th, while Han Gyeol is ranked 22nd. Han Gyeol, do you agree to this duel?”

“I agree.”

“Good. Fight to your heart’s content with healers available.”

After a brief procedure, Kang Jinhyuk and I entered the gate in front.

Shwoosh!

“…Ha. It’s a colosseum.”

As soon as we entered the gate, we found ourselves in an arena resembling a colosseum.

Truly a place meant for duels.

“Haha! Are you ready, Han Gyeol!!”

“Yes, fully prepared!”

Holographic numbers appeared in front of us.

Presumably, they serve as timers to deactivate the transparent walls blocking each other.

3…

Drawing my sword, I assume a stance.

Raising my spear, its tip pointing towards me.

2…

Tensing my muscles.

We glare at each other, exchanging smiles.

1…

“Let’s do this!!!!!!!!!”

0.

Roar!!!

We both rush forward towards each other.