episode_0096

*****

The fact that I was Kwon Seong’s successor and adopted son spread throughout the school in less than a day.

Although there has been no official announcement, it is rumored in the industry. Gradually, more and more people began to whisper to me, and eventually, someone came to ask me directly.

This was quite an unexpected reaction. I heard rumors about my identity have already spread.

When I asked kids like Bobbin and Hyeran, they said that Kwon Seong’s ‘maybe adopted son’ and ‘it is adopted son’ are completely different things. Hwain reacted quite calmly, but I guess that was an exception among exceptions.

Other exceptions were Raon, who did not realize how great Kwon Seong was, Mari, who was also a student of the Four Heroes, and Gangachi, who did not care about the topic of the class in the first place. If you choose it this way, there are a lot of exceptions.

Even so, it was not enough to stop the outpouring of interest due to that number of people. After experiencing hardship during lunch time, I had no choice but to run away to the private practice room to avoid causing trouble to the other kids.

“Are you here?”

Of course, Jun-seok was waiting there. This is because three afternoon classes a week until the exchange were decided as special training with Junseok.

It’s like running away from a wolf, but a tiger is waiting for you. Although he said there was no need to hide his skills anymore, Junseok still felt uncomfortable.

It’s probably like that over there too. He is the child of an enemy whom he hates so much that he wants to kill him. There was no way I couldn’t think of anything.

“First, warm up for 30 minutes. Don’t leave the method up to me. After that, start with sparring first.”

“Yes? ah… , yes!”

But Junseok didn’t show that at all. Rather, he showed himself in a way that was unimaginable from his usual helpless appearance.

“Sparring time is 3 minutes. Aim to break at least one of my magic barriers in 3 minutes. Can you do it?”

“Yes!”

“Okay. Then, come in first.”

The opening of the training barrier was the signal to begin. Just like the last time I sparred with Jun-seok, I rushed forward without any delay. Junseok’s eyes brightened slightly at that sight.

I’m curious about what was evaluated, but it’s not something I can ask during sparring. I attacked Junseok, who stood still and tall, in a straight line.

Magical barrier, also called self-defense technique in China, is a skill that most heroes who mainly engage in close combat have mastered. If you are an expert, you will hit several layers, but the first barrier will not be so strong that you will be able to recognize that you have been attacked.

In other words, I can somehow destroy it even with my current magic power.

“Hmm.”

It could have been easily avoided, but Junseok chose to counterattack instead. An arrow containing magical power flew out from the sphere of lightning that was created in an instant.

Originally, I would have avoided or defended myself because I had to hide my skills. But now the need for that is gone.

If so, there is no need to hesitate when there is an opportunity to create a gap.

Expand your senses. As all kinds of information about the surroundings comes in, the flow of magical power becomes tangible. Whether it’s lightning, flame, or light, if the source is magical power, all you have to do is to disturb the magical energy itself.

That’s how you break the spell.

“Happy!”

The fist that flew with enthusiasm cut off the center of magical power. The arrows, which would have caused an electric shock if hit, disappeared in vain in the air.

If you are an opponent of the same level, this move will create an opening. But the opponent is upgraded. Keep your mind’s eye intact and prepare to respond to the next attack.

Buuung!

Sure enough, Jun-seok’s kick was flying right in front of my eyes, which broke through the rain of arrows. The stance is a mess and it looks like he’s kicking roughly, but he has the power to easily blow away a truck.

The timing was definitely perfect. Should I aim for the counter? No, if you try to do something like that with the current specs, you will only end up in the opposite direction.

In that case, the most effective option is shedding. Hwagyeong. A strong flow of mana formed in my hand.

I haven’t even touched the kick yet, but my fingertips are creaking from the huge pressure. I forcibly withstood it and twisted the direction of the force little by little.

A striker is essentially a combination of dots, lines, and sides. Even if the attack is off by just 5 degrees, the power drops significantly, and if it is off by about 10 degrees, it is impossible to guarantee a hit.

Read the flow of magic power and twist it before it reaches you. That was the basic technique of the flower painting I used.

“… !”

Junseok’s kick grazed my shoulder. As expected, Junseok’s eyes opened wide in shock as he had not expected this.

Only 2 moves. With that alone, I succeeded in entering the arms of the Emperor the Terrible.

Quang. Immediately afterwards, a loud noise rang out. When I came to my senses, I was already flying into the wall of the training ground. After I figured out the situation, I felt a pain in my stomach that felt like it was going to burst.

“Agh, ugh.”

“Oops. sorry. Stop without even realizing it.”

“Trigram, it’s okay. Okay… .”

I felt a pain that seemed to pierce my bones. If this place wasn’t inside the training barrier, he would have been vomiting out internal organs by now.

“Do not use your hands clumsily. Was it that kind of penalty?”

Junseok was looking at his right hand, which he took out of his pocket. Is this level of penalty enough, or do we need to add another penalty? You must have been thinking that way.

However, now Junseok’s magical barrier was broken by one or two layers. This is thanks to the fact that he countered with all his might right before being hit.

The practice, which was originally scheduled for 3 minutes, ended in 3 seconds.

He’s so arrogant, eh! I am your teacher! This is because I am in a position where I would normally have to give up!

Of course, this is possible because Jun-seok has tremendously controlled his magical power. In terms of specifications, it is still difficult to even follow Jun-seok’s footsteps.

However, the only thing that is lacking is the specifications. When it comes to Mu’s capabilities, he is second to none. If you were serious about teaching me, you needed to understand my level.

“You had the eye of the heart.”

I quietly nodded to Junseok, who seemed to have realized something. Perhaps my strength has increased by more than two levels within Junseok.

I don’t really like calling it that because it doesn’t really resonate with me. In short, the mind’s eye is the ability to perceive the surroundings. Everything, from a grain of sand to a strand of magic power.

The martial arts I use have only means and no form. Therefore, although it is close to being the strongest in theory, the results vary greatly depending on how accurately the theory is implemented.

And when it comes to bringing theory to reality, there is no ability more optimized than the mind’s eye. If you think about it as a game, it’s no different from playing with a map hack turned on.

Jun-seok, who I dealt with the last time, who had a deep eye, no martial arts, and didn’t use any of it, was half-scammed.

Of course, it’s bad for the person who suffered something like this. It’s always fun to give a blow to a guy who thinks he has overwhelming composure.

However, as he flirted with the joy, Junseok’s momentum began to increase little by little. Will the difficulty increase? I thought so, but the momentum was increasing by more than two or three times the level I had assumed.

… Hey, are you there~? Isn’t this a bit too high? You’re not going to get angry because you got hit by a kid, are you, Junseok?

“Seo, teacher? Anyway, it’s not like I don’t think this might be a bit unreasonable… .”

“Originally, training starts with the impossible. Because you have to realize your limitations.”

No, that’s some nonsense! Then what if something big happens? Who on earth said such nonsense!?

… I got angry, but when I thought about it, it was me from the past. lol.

Of course, this is under the condition that perfect care is possible. At that time, when I was teaching Junseok, there was a teacher called me and an emergency worker called Shinnyeo. Except for mental issues, most of them were treatable.

So what now? There is a teacher named Jun-seok and an emergency worker named Dyeong-gyeol-gye. Of course, no one takes care of your mental health.

Those are great conditions.

“You have had enough rest, so come. The time is 30 minutes, and the goal is to destroy the magic barrier.”

“5, just 5 more minutes… .”

“If you don’t come, I’ll have to check what you ate for lunch today.”

“… Wooo—!”

I believe that ARMY’s courage will save the world! In half desperation, I bravely rushed towards Junseok.

The result is, well. I don’t think there’s any need to say it.

***

“Haa, ha, tsk, haa… .”

Oh, I thought I was going to die. I really thought I was going to die. I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve been out of breath even though I’m using magical power.

Today’s training ended with barely breaking Junseok’s magic barrier a little while ago. How many hours had it been like this? Was it really over in the first place?

In fact, I have no confidence. I can’t stand up any longer, so let’s just say it’s over. I don’t have the strength to lift a finger anyway, so there’s nothing I can do about it, whether it’s baked or boiled.

“When resting, sit down and rest. What does that look like?”

Mine? Is there anything wrong with the way I am? He’s just covered in sweat all over the training room floor. I feel bad because my clothes are soaked with sweat, but I don’t feel like moving at all.

Ah, I want to assimilate into the floor like this. I am the floor and the floor is me… .

“Tsk.”

While I was thinking nonsense due to lack of oxygen, a large piece of clothing fell from above. It’s not particularly cold or anything.

And these clothes smell like cigarettes. What is it? Is it torture? When you rest, please let me rest normally!

After lying around for a while under the strange tension characteristic of lack of oxygen, I could barely breathe again. Judging by the way I feel when I move my body, I don’t think I’ll be able to wake up tomorrow due to muscle pain. How effective is the recovery ability?

After I recovered enough to stand up, I brought Junseok some clothes again. Should I have just said I’d suck it up? I somehow felt ashamed of returning my sweaty clothes.

“You are truly his disciple.”

When I said thank you, a different answer came back. Was Junseok testing me in his own way?

I definitely used various martial arts that I could use to show my current level. If I could be recognized as a disciple through this, it would be not a bad side income.

“But you didn’t learn martial arts directly from Kwon Seong.”

However, I was so surprised by Junseok’s next words that my heart dropped. Because I cannot be taught by myself. What, how did you know!?

“… yes. that’s right. How did you know?”

Junseok’s tone was full of confidence. If you deny it for no reason and then get doubted, you won’t be able to get your money back, so let’s accept it for now and find out the reason.

“Because your attack method is too linear. He burrows into his opponent’s arms and aims for a close match. It’s not bad so far. But you tend to use force when times are tough.”

surely. If I were asked to choose one of three evasion defense counters, I would choose the counter. Even if it is not possible to choose evasion, I prefer forward evasion that digs deeper into the opponent’s arms.

But isn’t that natural for a hero who focuses on close combat? Shortening the distance quickly means receiving less checks. Whether it was magic or gunpowder, long-distance attack methods were widespread.

When I argued like that, Junseok shook his head.

“Of course, it is mostly an advantage. But you choose it when you don’t have to.”

If you encounter a melee opponent whose specs are higher than yours, you must know how to step back or see an opportunity. However, it is said that I have a tendency to rush in and try to win the game quickly.

“If it’s Kwon Seong, that method is correct. Because he has overwhelming physical ability and magical power. But you’re not that harsh, are you? If Kwon Seong had taken in a disciple like you, at least he wouldn’t have raised him that way.”

So, I did not receive teachings directly from Kwon Seong. Jun-seok thought that he would have developed that habit because he had constantly watched and learned how he fought from the side.

The reasoning itself was logical and understandable. Anyway, Junseok doesn’t know that I am Kwonseong. What was shocking to me was what Junseok said afterwards.

If I had a disciple like me, would I have raised him like this?

If there is line of sight, significant reinforcement is possible, but if it is 1:1, there are limits to reinforcement. Because it is a dragon’s body, recovery is possible, but there is not much difference in durability unless you take out the scales.

Certainly, the emphasis may have been on guerrilla warfare that placed more emphasis on footwork. This is especially true if you know that there are aids like Dragon Fear.

“More than anything, you don’t have the destructive power of Kwon Seong. This is the biggest problem at the moment.”

This is not a comparison to Kwon Seong. It is too early to discuss that level in the first place. The students around me are not subject to comparison either. It’s not easy to see a strike that lifts a multi-meter-tall monster with just one kick.

My skills, my abilities. Compared to those things, its destructive power is relatively low.

“Then what should we do to increase destructive power?”

“Well. First of all, growth in the technical area will be difficult.”

I nodded because I agreed with that part. If we carry out the project for another 10 or 20 years, there may be technological advancements, but it is difficult to achieve results in a short period of time.

“Of course, the easiest way would be to strengthen the potential itself. Do you know how?”

In most cases, potential increases the more you use it. In other words, it means training until you die.

It may sound obvious, but the truth is ultimately simple.

“Lastly… . No, it’s done. This reaches you.”

Junseok spoke less, but I felt like I knew what it was. You’re probably talking about ‘promotion’.

Promotion can be seen as a second awakening, so to speak. And it is also the standard for S-class heroes. Regardless of their level of strength or experience, all awakened people who have experienced promotion are treated as S-class heroes in Korea.

… what? Junseok, why are you looking at me with strange eyes?

“… Anyway, don’t try useless methods.”

“Useless method?”

“Drugs, alcohol, etc. Things like that.”

aha. Well, these are taboos for heroes, but things that villains get sick of. In a way, the dumping cat during the intern incident could also be said to be a case of drug misuse.

Anyway, they take good care of me. Honestly, I thought he would teach me more roughly. No, I was considering the possibility of being refused guidance altogether.

Once I realized it, I was very concerned. Seeing that he treats me, his child, so well, perhaps he has given up on the idea of revenge? It even runs the same happiness circuit.

In the end, I couldn’t hold back and asked the question directly.

“Why did you take this class?”

“What does it mean?”

“No, that. Teacher, you had this and that with my father.”

It was a bit awkward when he called himself father, but I think he understood the meaning anyway. Junseok thought for a moment and then slowly opened his mouth.

“Okay. Your father and I have been through a lot of bad things. Did you happen to see my interview or something like that?”

“Yes.”

“… I felt sorry for that part. Anyway, Kwon Seong is my enemy. But he was also my teacher.”

I was prepared for it to be vague, but I was surprised to hear a surprisingly good story. Now that I think about it, I have never denied the fact that Junseok is my student… , me?

“If you want to resolve the resentment you received from him, you must not ignore the favor you received from him. To me, that’s what a benevolent relationship is. Since he was my teacher, I have no intention of abandoning the work I should do as his disciple.”

Junseok’s story didn’t contain any particularly strong emotions. It was simple, as if he was simply telling the facts he had always thought, and that further increased the credibility of the story.

… Still, you thought of me as a teacher. This is true. I feel somewhat embarrassed. Hmm.

Isn’t this something that can end on a good note without fighting with Jun-seok?

“Then what if, what if? What will your father do when he comes back?”

“Kill.”

Oh, this doesn’t work. I can’t even see the angle at all. It’s hard to live─.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say that in front of you.”

“Oh, no. haha. It’s been a long time since he passed away anyway.”

“Anyway, Kwon Seong and you are separate, so you don’t have to worry about him. Because you are simply my student, and my sister-in-law.”

Fortunately, I have no intention of harming the people around me. Well, if Junseok had wanted to do something to other people, he wouldn’t have been able to continue working as a hero like this.

From now on, I will have to be careful not to let my identity be discovered. But, what?

“Samae, you mean?”

“Okay. You and I were both students of Kwon Seong, so if we had to ask, it would be like that. Why is it strange?”

“No, that… .”

Samae (師妹) is a title used to refer to a ‘woman’ among the same disciples who entered later than oneself. Could it be that this guy mistakes me for a girl?

If you think about it, I have never directly said that I am a man. Everyone in my class knows that I’m a guy, so there’s no need to talk about it.

Even the Chinese people thought I was their daughter, so it’s not surprising that Junseok was mistaken.

It’s not strange, though!

What do we do? Should we talk now?

However, this was right after he pledged not to let his identity be discovered. Just now, I even brought up something like, ‘If Kwon Seong comes back~’.

In other words, if I reveal that I was a man now, thoughts may even reach into my identity before I changed!

I don’t know if the probability of that happening is high or low. It’s just that I didn’t want to take even the slightest risk on this matter. However, if you said out loud that it was a woman, there was a risk that you would get in trouble if the gender was discovered later.

“… There was a controversy about favoritism last time. Also, if it’s noisy, can I just call you teacher?”

“It was like that. So let’s do that. Because titles aren’t important anyway.”

In the end, I chose to hold off. I’m glad I didn’t hear anything other than ‘samae’.

Four sisters? Ah, was that a word referring to a woman? If I grab it and pull it away, how can I get over it?

In that way, the day’s training was able to end in a more harmonious atmosphere than expected. Although some anxiety remained.

If I return to my original body, I will no longer have to spend time with Jun-seok. Thinking like that made me feel a little lonely.

*****